Such mining techniques aren't scams, they are efficient ends to a particular means that is currently allowed in the current codebase. If you want to stop this type of behavior, then you have to change the code, because you sure as hell are not going to change human nature.
Whether such efficient mining techniques within this "proof-of-brain" system are ethical is a good question. But greedy people don't care about ethics. They only care if such techniques are valid (in that they work). And rewards farming in such a manner is valid given the current protocol and implementation.
Good point, however am sure that you agree that it is unhealthy for steemit and such behaviour should be exposed.
In the short term, yes. But we need a better long-term solution than simply flag the abuser.
Good point, I agree