Hey there @steemonkey, don't worry too much about bid bots.
I am no crypto expert either, and I made it without bots to 49, and you at 50. As you said, a few articles where you get noticed by curation trails, and your reputation makes a big jump.
Also you have @slobberchops support, you can't lose ;-)

As I commented a few days ago, given the quality of content you produce, and how it just is "real life", you'll reach 60 pretty quickly. As others have said, enjoy being on the platform, and see you -hopefully soon - at 60... Or more! :-)