That's wrong. Indeed it has even been pointed out (correctly) that bid bots are more sensitive to downvotes, because they are motivated to maximize the return on their delegated vote power. Even a 20% reduction in reward means that a bid bot (or similar system) has a problem they need to address (by changing behavior such that their voting occurs with greater consensus) because their ROI is uncompetitive.

+

As we learn more about how things work or do not work, we have to move on to other ideas, not stick with 'original intention' as if it is some kind of holy book.

How things work out right now:

Small accounts, who can not retaliate, get downvotes for selfvoting or some other 'abuse'.

Bid bots strive.

The reality is, it is not better than before.
That is only your perception, because you do not have to do shit to maximize your profits. Congrats.