Zalera used to have just one bot, but in the last month or two there have been 2 more that have shown up and I suspect a 4th. I could care less about being undercut, so SE is so wrong there. 1 gil under me is irritating, but I am not going to report someone for that. If they READ the reports, I suspect most crafters dont complain about that as much as the 24/7 nature of the activity, likely included proof of potential cheating etc. if SE discounts that, then not sure they really deserve my subscription

in all honesty, the only reason I make any headway is...

1. I now work from home, and my job is slow, so it gives me time to do this. but, I would suggest, if possible, only set aside a block of time to do nothing but craft what you are going to sell, and stand on the market board.
2. make sure the board and summoning bell are close together, there are many place like this.
3. dont put everything up on the same retainer if possible. because it pulls everything off the market when you price change
4. spend that block of time checking prices, if undercut, undercut again immediately. your aim is to hit that 10-20 minute window while their cycling through their other retainers. if you only have a few things up per retainer, you can undercut and be back up selling fairly quickly
5. know without a doubt, what your costs are. decide before you list anything how low you are willing to go. if it goes lower, pull it off until later or simply stop undercutting (I generally pull and wait for price to go back up)

I wont lie, competing against bots is very hard and a lot of work, but can be done. I would prefer to be doing other things, but as they say, it is what it is. one thing to keep in mind is, you arent alone. I for one refuse to let cheaters who likely dont even play the game beat me.