Not sure where the confusion lies @sazerac. You ask …

”I don't understand how I used the bots wrong?”

… and so that may be the issue, as there is really no right way to use these bidbots, except perhaps for an occasional promotion. But, in that case, you would have to decline payout or burn it and clearly spell that out in your post. Otherwise you might still find unwelcome attention drawn to your post(s) ...

You are, of course, free to do as you wish. But … It will not be viewed favorably by many, including myself. You are effectively buying yourself a reward, with no effort being expended to earn it. While that has gone on for a long time, particularly amongst some of the largest stakeholders, the EIP changes of HF 21 / 22 provided a mechanism to (heavily) discourage that – downvotes to reduce / eliminate purchased upvotes … Along with that, your reputation will be reduced, if those of higher reputation are doing the downvoting ...

As with any of us, the route to obtaining support for your work is through engagement with others. Full stop. Period. There are many communities on our Steem blockchain. It would be in your best interest to find one or more which appeal to you and join in their efforts to build up the effort of others collectively.

Please note these downvotes are not personal, as I do not know you. I bear you no ill will. If there are still questions, I will do what I (reasonably) can to clarify further.

I hope this helps.