Very interesting analysis you've done here, and I'm glad Steemvoter is working out for you so far. For me, I like using Steemvoter to split my efforts between manual and auto-curation. I like to manually curate, but I'm very busy and usually only have time to read a couple posts per day, if that. Steemvoter helps fill the gaps so I can still support authors I enjoy even when I don't have time to read their posts. And there are so many high quality posts that go flying by in my feed, this way I can still give them the reward they deserve.

You mentioned that if an author knows he's on an auto-voting list, he can become complacent and start churning out crap. To that I'd say that everyone using auto-voters has a responsibility to maintain their voting lists carefully. Every now and then I'll check the authors on my list, and if they are voting too frequently or I don't like their latest posts, I'll remove them to make way for new people.

My voting list is a dynamic, living breathing entity and like any real animal has to be given tender loving care so it can grow and prosper. Learning the best way to do that is half science, and half art, and all a lot of fun!