I don't support it and think I share your sentiment about this sort of thing being manipulative of the market.
It's especially not good imo for this sort of behavior to be exhibited on Trending and could very well turn people off to Steem.
Not as much concerned about the alleged economic implications of the activity as I am the ethical aspect.
Anyways, I perused your post but didn't get all the way through it yet. It seems very thoughtful so I plan to do that.
Nice to hear there is way more people thinking beyond the surface about this matter than I thought!