I agree with you. I've said often and loudly that 'bots have no place on Steemit. Unfortunately I've been told , often and loudly, that the solutions you propose (I said much the same thing) will not work on the blockchain.

I agree that it's a SERIOUS problem...perhaps as bad as Flaggin (another bad thing)...

BUT...the powers that be...LIKE bots...they do what you say..they make them easy money.