does not mean that some won't attempt to - even feel further incentivised to do so.
Sure, and in raising up their posts they will make them more visible to potential downvoters. That's the purpose behind the curve. With some further evidence we might want to refine the parameters a bit but the fundamental idea is sound.
An author with a small payout might, in cases where the post is marginal, actually be better off leaving well enough alone and taking the smaller payout with less visibility.
Anyway, it doesn't really matter what happens in one particular case or another. What matters is that which becomes systemic, and my point about mathematical impossibility is that it isn't impossible for low-payouts to systemically escape the curve by buying votes. Some might, but only by volunteering to stand out from the crowd and be scrutinized.
I'd expect that most half-decent authors would want to stand out from the crowd and be scrutinised.
Sure. If you stand out and don't get downvoted, then you deserve the rewards. Even if you did pay for a vote or two to get noticed, it isn't that bad. Before long you will have your own followers, get resteemed, have regular voters, etc.
The curve offers lower(but still some) rewards to anyone without (much) scrutiny but if you move up the curve enough to get higher rewards, then it comes with scrutiny.
"...if you did pay for a vote or two to get noticed, it isn't that bad. Before long you will have your own followers, get resteemed, have regular voters"
Exactly. Doesn't that sound like a good pitch for a vote seller to use when drumming up new business?
Hey! Smooth, budy, I understood that I was wrong! My apologies! Let`s be friends! No need to proceed please... Thank you! Regards, Profit Shooter