As a newbie, I appreciate you calling attention to this issue. I don't begrudge anyone for up-voting themselves or using bots. As you say, that's just what you have to do to get noticed with this current system. I would like to see the system changed to a degree so the playing field is more level. Maybe limiting self voting, rewarding voting for others, etc. I know there's no perfect system, but it seems the current system could be improved upon. Regardless, I love Steemit and am very glad to be here.