Perhaps this could be implemented across the platform by simply not allowing upvotes after 72 hours?

In defense of the more reputable bot services, they appear to be the only way that newer users without sizeable follower counts can garner attention to their posts. Otherwise, their content often gets lost in the mix amidst the trending posts published by more established users.

I say this from experience after hardly ever using bots in the past and only recently employing them. I don't think bots are an ideal mechanism by which rewards should be distributed to begin with. But the platform as it is structured right now enables this system.

It is at least reassuring to see that whales such as yourself are mindful of the abuses that are occurring on steemit. But on a more holistic level, this is just placing a bandage on an open wound - while it addresses a symptom, it doesn't delve into the systemic deficiencies that have spurred the disparities in reward distribution to begin with.

Ultimately, I am not sure what the solution is, but it will likely require a meeting of the minds among whales that actually care about the long term viability of this platform to initiate constructive changes. This appears to be a step in that direction; if nothing else, it will spur much needed discussion and ideas for appropriate corrective actions to be taken. For steemit's sake.