Yes, in my job category (Engineering/Industrial Design) there is somebody who automatically places a bid of 50 connects on all the jobs. It is one person or a group of 'bots'. I know it is only one because this person/group are usually one of the first ones to bid on the new jobs and sometimes there is just the bid of 50 connects and no other boosted places in the first hours. I have also worked out that he/they charge $25 or less per hour (which is relatively low in my business).
They may have worked out that it pays. Maybe they manage to engage the client, then make all kinds of promises of cheap work. Many clients fall for that.
I have done an experiment twice, comparing the results of client engagment and/or giving me jobs with and without boosted proposals. The difference is negligible.
So now that you say 50 connects (it seems to be the magic number), I wonder if this person or group of people are doing that on several categories. Maybe they are getting the jobs with a low fee and subcontract them in India, China or Pakistan for $3 to $5 per hour and they make their money with the quantity with a low margin.
I recently spoke to a potential client who told me he wanted to change his provider when he realised that his 'designer' had subcontracted his job.
