Good post!
I agree, the promoted content section is crucial for Steemit as a community and to slow down the fall of steem's value.
I think that the reason for it not being used is when you start whatever money you earn you aren't going to spend on promoting your content, and as you grow it becomes a habit of not using and even liking it.
PS. I hate bidbots I think that they are destroying the platform but what can I do? 😑