I'm not a great fan of how the reputation rating works on steemit. Particularly, as I'm being trolled by a pathetic character on a daily basis. He's not really affecting my calculated reputation that much but I think he's trying to.
Where real-life reputations are concerned, I'd like to think anyone who's ever read any of my posts would agree that they're mostly carefully thought-out and worth reading, even. My pet troll on the other hand only posts negative stuff - often racist / homophobic etc. - and therefore I feel a little sorry for him.
As low as he sends my calculated-reputation, I think he's doing damage to his real-world reputation. But I'm not sure he's the brightest and will see it that way.
So, no, I've got to say I'm not that bothered by a person's calculated reputation and I will often press the 'show' button to see that which is hidden. Often, it's spam (and that should be hidden). But every now and again, I'm glad I took a peek to see the full dialogue and not just the uncensored bits.
And you are right. It's shite that bots can help out here. I don't like fake and I'm not sure I want to be getting involved with bots again (I had a brief dabble with randowhale which was a little underwhelming).