It’s not a flaw in the platform, it’s very straightforward. You have to pay for the exposure and if your content is good then you’ll stay afloat. If not then you’ll sink.

If you use vote bots correctly then you always break even/make a little money. Combine that with a catchy title and some interesting writing and you have a chance to gather a readership. That’s where the money is. Once companies know that you have an audience they’ll throw money at you.