I'm assuming this could be easily avoided through websites like Minnowbooster, like someone already stated.
However I just wanted to comment one point: if the 50/50 curation rewards would increase the profits of the vote-sellers, it would also quickly reduce the interest in purchasing votes if you clearly start losing money when purchasing votes - unless you are "buying to promote yourself".
Yes, I see what you mean there. But the vote bots could just change how the payments reflect in vote returns. Instead of charging X STEEM/SBD for Y% upvote, they can just lower the cost and it will return to what it is now... and nothing changes there. Easy to bypass as the proportion of ROI stays the same.
I see your point and have to agree, I can't argue with that. Not at least right now.
I might return if I'll become any wiser.