I agree, there are probably many using bots, etc. which I don't discriminate, but the true determining factor in the overall success comes down to putting in the work and being a real person here. Thanks for pointing out:

People who are successful in one avenue are usually successful in others because a lot of success is about following your passion with that correct mindset and applying the same principles consistently.

....in the area of their own individual interest, and passions and finding their "tribe"

It's one thing to use bots, or re-steem services to help your post get exposure, but at some point, you need to gain enough followers, that know, like and trust you and actually get value out of the content, so eventually you don't have to rely on using bots/re-steems to survive here.

Being clear on your intention here is important, I'm working on a new post about setting intentions. :)