I don't actually understand the bots farming at Bronze level, so it will be difficult to judge whether the decision Splinterlands has made is the right one.

I do however think it's now very difficult for new players to rise up the leagues. I even had to delegate a card to one of the new players today which I see his trying to grow but the rewards are kind of discouraging.
I hope Splinter comes up with a way of keeping new players motivated.