There is a difference between shilling and genuinely recommending someone. Being a member here for years..We have an idea who are expert on things from the contributions they make here. Plus previous experience from buying/using them.
It is a win for the client's side too. If few people recommend the same person - there a good chance that person is good at what he is doing.
It is insane, I have to argue with you on this. LOL.
Totally agree with your comment ( I highlighted in red ) above.
The big difference is there are people blindly recommending people who have never tried, bought or tested their services.
If someone said to you, suggest to me a great restaurant for a traditional pizza, are you going to suggest Big Frankys down the road, despite you've never eaten there?
Or someone wants to buy a new car, do you suggest one you have driven and liked, or just pick a random make & model, just to comment?
Staff are aware that sometimes people post just for the sake of posting ( also to show off their signatures ) and never really offer any new information nor value.
