> 2. I wouldn't be surprised at some unexpectedly large amount of AstroTurfing, especially considering the sheer amount money is flowing into the AI space.

Given the soul-crushingly large amounts of money sloshing around in this tiny slice of the industry, the amount of astroturfing, positive-sentiment manufacturing, & etc. is right about where I expect it to be... as is the amount of vehement denial that it exists. ;)