LOL @everittdmickey serially mutes lotsa folks. I'm actually surprised he hasn't muted me, given some of the disagreement he has expressed with things I've said. OTOH, he has been a consistent support in my blog, even if mostly by disagreeing with me - for me that's particularly valuable, as I need to learn, and I can only learn from listening to folks that correct me.
I'll not comment on your use of bots, just as I generally refrain from commenting on folks selfvoting. I reckon it reflects the code, and as you point out, there's costs in other things than money to not using them.
I can live with less than the maximum, since I don't consider my stake income, but rather a representation of the voices of folks I engage with. I live off the money I make bending nails and smashing thumbs, which is far more exciting, if only because it more directly engages my pain circuits =p
Keep on posting facts =)
Thanks!