Well, paying for upvotes seems like the only way to ever get on the Trending or Hot pages.
Do I think it's fair? Kind if, in the current system it's unavoidable if you want to grow past a certain point.
If an article is good, then I don't mind it. I wouldn't call this article crap either, very enjoyable to read. You sell yourself short ;-)
I think it’s fair because I have the money to do it.