Im not fundamentally opposed to bots, but you're right in the fact that they have become custom and practice of steemit. But in my view its no different from other platforms.

For instance if you want to grow on facebook you're going to have to pay for facebook ads.

If you want grow your wordpress readership most people will consider running google ads.

Having said that I don't think it's a good look if the current setup of steemit, encourages us to pump accounts or posts with the view just to maximize returns because it kind of goes against what steemit is all about.

I agree with you that using bots to upvote your trusted circle of fellow content creators isn't a bad thing, because you know that they are providing value to you and the wider steemit community.

But not unless the powers that be, decide to downgrade the bots importance in the eco system, i guess bots are here to stay for good or bad