Honestly I think this post has tipped me even further in favour of not paying for votes. I just don't think I agree with it and what it does to the platform, regardless of motive.
It's interesting, finding out how to promote yourself on a platform like this, but it's certainly not dull!
I can't help but feel the bots will die out, or become as useless as instagram bots at least. It might be the way to make a quick buck but it's not the way if you're thinking long term. In my opinion at least!
I have a niggling suspicion that you are right. It does seem motivated by short term gain.