SE: Why Are Gathering Bots Okay??

[Vnolan]

Edit your post and remove any identifying info of the accused. It's against the rules, even if they are doing what is alleged.

Why is this okay?

Because they pay a sub? Because SE has no bot detection? Because the STF can't tell the difference between bots and regular players and doesn't want to risk punishing the latter? Because SE can't be bothered? Take your pick. Notice the fix for Feast toxicity was removal of chat?

Should all players utilize gathering bots?

DISCLAIMER: Use of botting programs is against the ToS
If more bots means SE will finally do something about them, then sure, otherwise it'll just make the problem worse.

Report after report is ignored, so gathering bots and market exploitation is acceptable by TOS?

No, it's clearly against the ToS; they just aren't enforcing it unless the player is hacking the game or is involved in RMT. If the bots are just automating gameplay, the worst that will happen is a temp ban, but since the same players have been botting for months at least, it's obvious SE can't detect the bots being used.

Bots are harder to differentiate from legit gatherers nowadays.

Nope: https://gfycat.com/UncommonAcidicAmericankestrel

The bots that are used in HW gathering areas stick out like sore thumbs because they all move to the same spot for takeoff after zoning in.

[StouterTaru]

Nope: https://gfycat.com/UncommonAcidicAmericankestrel

The bots that are used in HW gathering areas stick out like sore thumbs because they all move to the same spot for takeoff after zoning in.

That's much less obvious than clearing a node, then teleporting 10 feet above the next node and falling on it. Or underground warping from node to node.

Bots warping to OOB locations takes about 2 seconds to recognize and 5 seconds to investigate. Bots retreading a set route takes a little more time for both, and when you come up with a fast way to detect it, someone will just rework the code to bypass your catch.