Let's be honest here. Any, and I mean ANY system will eventually be taken advantage of if there is a reward involved. No one is going to avoid human nature.
I am not sure that steemit is for or against bots. Perhaps they are philosophic about it and simply want the system to go where it will. If they wanted to, a simple change to the code would indeed stop it....until the next advantage is developed and we are right back to the same point of " are guessing bots good or bad?" or whatever exploit becomes useful.
To fight the bots is to make them win. If steemers weren't commenting and voting, the circle of money would quickly disappear.
So until steemit decides which way they want us to go, assume they want it and take advantage. If you have such a big brain, then use it along with the bots and you should immediately shoot to the top.
Just my 2 pennies worth.