Correct, but different parameters are used to populate the Trending and Hot channels. I don't know the algorithms behind the channels, but I guess the hot channel has number of votes in the formula, and the Trending has payout in the formula. To game payout, you need a lot of voting power, so that is more difficult to manipulate. To game votes, that is indeed what happens all over with the vote trains, trails and guilds. Note: most guilds, trains etc are not bad and are not there to game (ie for own profit), but it is manipulating the system in such a way a human poster/curator can not do.
Correct, but different parameters are used to populate the Trending and Hot channels. I don't know the algorithms behind the channels, but I guess the hot channel has number of votes in the formula, and the Trending has payout in the formula. To game payout, you need a lot of voting power, so that is more difficult to manipulate. To game votes, that is indeed what happens all over with the vote trains, trails and guilds. Note: most guilds, trains etc are not bad and are not there to game (ie for own profit), but it is manipulating the system in such a way a human poster/curator can not do.