Great analysis again!
I didn't know the bot comments also contributed.
A Social Media platform without comments isn't social at all!
As you might have seen in my recent blog I was already inspired by your appearance on the Hivethrive show last week and have commented on a few introduction posts from newcomers this week.
I think if more people do that (and as you mention, some already do, like @godfish and @jamerussell) it could make a big impact.
Apart from that we're encouraging engagement all together (so not only for newbie blogs) with the @topcomment curation service.
We think quality comments should also be rewarded!