Actually, it's impossible to make a profit via this type of promotion schemes anymore with the new reward pool distribution formula. Those people are either getting upvotes by others than their own promotion team or their promotion team is actually losing money.
You have already mentioned, that paying the vote bots doesn't give much in return in your post.
I've written a post called Steemit Reward Pool Abuse, Myth or Fact? that explains this. I'd be glad to answer any questions about this issue if you have any.
So, you can calm down, the situation is not as bad as you think it is.
I dunno, his post is pretty accurate and matches my experience. Steemit will fail.