In regards to free speech, it's merely a tool to be used by any person. Now whether it becomes good or bad depends on the individual and what their consequences of free speech brings forth.

Similarly like you mentioned bid bot's are causing harm but they're not causing good as well.

In regards to the Trending page one user @roelandp mentioned in the comment above, that we should have an "editors pick", i wholeheartedly welcome that because it brings content and talent forth, you actually look forward to longing on to steemit and learn something new.