I know what you are talking about because I just went through the phase of paying for upvotes (I am still in this phase, this is the beginning of my second week) and it does not feel so right when collecting the rewards, this is true, but I am trying to promote the good posts only so things looks more ethical. Nice story!
It's a tricky one, I can definitely see both sides, but for me it just doesn't work ethically or otherwise! I hope your experience works out a little better!
By now it didn't, from your post I understand you had a positive ROI, in my case just a few posts did not lost money :))