An interesting post.

You have to remember this is a free market,

Flagging ( ie punitive action), is not a free market action. ergo it is NOT a free market.

A free market dynamic is not one of punitive action, but one of affirmative action.

Good value gets rewarded, bad value goes by the wayside organically - not through punitive actions of others. ( and no bots)

The principle is not a grey area.

Bots need to be eradicated - and let the free market decide what is warranted as value - IF you want a free market..