Sadly, while what they have done arguably brings no value to the steem ecosystem, it isn't exactly prohibited as well. It is after all their own stake on the blockchain and it is up to their own prerogative how to use it.

That being said, it is also entirely the right of the community to respond however they like in the face of such ethically questionable practices.

We applaud you for speaking out against the misuse of Steem power.