I swear I didn't have this beard when I started reading (shrugs).
I don't know why I have some sort of ethical block to using bots.
Having heard the mantra that 'good content consistently' is the key to success on steemit, It seems a little depressing its practically mandatory to use them in order to get ahead now. Your explanation, however, is absolutely logical. That key may have been true a year ago, but with many more people now posting here, you have to make yourself seen!
I appreciate your honesty, and realise I just used big words above and just screwed one of your other points... DOH!
Anyway, seems I've got to somehow get hold of a fistfull of dollars from somewhere to bot the hell out of a good post. Roger that.
Have a vote worth half a cent and a follow, you deserve more!