I had very similar thoughts about the promoted section and it's lack of effectiveness leading to the popularity of upvote bots.
I think you nailed the majority of the points I would have made if I wrote an article but overall you were much more thorough. I know it is too late, I would have resteemed this. I'll do my best to send people this way because it is something that needs to be seen.
RE: Proposal for New 'Promoted' Function