I do not appreciate people asking for votes and I strongly feel that their work should do all the talking. If someone consistently produces quality content, maintains a solid level of activity and otherwise engages with the community, that someone is bound to gain readers and thus, slowly, upvotes. I would much rather encourage people to focus on producing as opposed to shouting the loudest to get votes, however you wrap the latter.
You have a very good point! I have tested these voting services myself a few times, and to be honest, I disliked the following automated comments and the fact that my reputation increased. That's right - when one's buying votes, one's also buying reputation. I find this ridiculous!
good point