Don't worry about the bots, they will always be here as there is no one to get rid of them other than the owners and thats not going to happen while they are making money.
I have even delegated some sp to one bot so while I am a way from steemit I can still claim a few bucks in steem.
Working on your posts is always a good thing, I got a buzz from steemit when I got my first $60 up-vote I was so happy but it never happened again.
Steemit has been brilliant for me, i love this place, I get to chat to nice people like yourself and make money from it at the same time.
hope you have caught up :D