On Steemit [bots are] becoming more of a necessity to get content noticed.
I believe that nobody should use bots to artificially promote their content. An upvote should be a sign of quality, not a sign that you can afford a bot. That's just my opinion.
That's how the upvote was intended to be used as I believe. Unfortunately, bots are being so heavily used it is very difficult to get noticed if they are not used. If you can get by without the bots then kudos to you. The bigger problem is use of bots purely for financial reward. As I mention in the post, that is not particularly successful so I can see that problem correcting itself. The most important thing is that the best quality content gets the most exposure. The Steemians should be the judges of that.
I can't actually get by without bots! Well, I believe I will get by, just a few years after everyone else. I believe the followers obtained without gimmicks will be higher quality than the ones who just follow everyone they see in the trending section. I think it will all play itself out in the end and the best quality posters will win out.
Good for you, I respect that.