Votes aren't followers - they are votes. Most of the trails are also relatively worthless - they have very long tails, possibly following a larger voter. I don't know anyone who would pay in HP to get votes. However, some of those curation projects are valuable, because they find content most might not, so healthy ones spread voting value to those who might deserve it. But, I am a staunch believer that there is a "deserve" somewhere in there too, since a lot of people feel that they should get value regardless of what they post.
I also don't think anyone with any real stake gives a toss about the reputation number and haven't for many years.
Can't speak for third-world users - they do what they do, get the results they get. I know some who have changed their ways to better suit their content to the audience, but many don't seem to get out of their mindset. We are products of our environment.