Those bots really discourage me from writing quality stuff because it feels like unless I pay 2$ to randowhale and better 2$ more somewhere else no one else is even going to check my post. When ppl pay for their upvotes not only they get some money back as author rewards, but also other people are much more likely to check this post, because they will assume there is potentially some good stuff inside.
I think bots should be allowed but any post that uses their services should show a sign of being endorsed by a bot before you open it. This would make it fair. Like a little icon next to title saying "this post has been boosted" etc.
Wouldn't you say that sucking up to whale in chat or comments is much the same as purchasing a vote from @randowhale?
It's called a tip jar effect. Someone posted about that. I'd link if I can find the post or if it isnt considered spam. In any case, I initially felt it unfair, too. But really, the people who get "tricked" into opening a boosted post wouldn't come back if the content wasn't to their liking. And with payouts degrading (I forgot the exact term used), the boost value is actually decreased over time. Ultimately, a lot use said bots as a marketing strategy. If they offer good content, then whether they boost the next post or not, the genuine followers he gained previously would click on his post. Of course continuing the marketing campaign doesn't hurt either. This, of course, is just my opinion.