You are correct, that many are gaming curation, or trying to .. I think once the realize that their time would be better served building their network, finding and pulling up good content producers, and spending their time generating their own, they will see that this low-end gaming is pointless.

It is much more beneficial to simply play steemsports! :)

Paying folks to curate is an important part of the overall economy - and besides, people who are 'working' to find good material and rewarding deserving authors, deserve what they receive for their efforts.