This is also a major problem in the music synthesizer industry, and Benn Jordan (aka The FlashBulb, but also a major synthesizer reviewer) put out an extraordinary video detailing all the financial issues and incentives involved in being an influencer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40Q7usuG2Cw I think Benn is above reproach ethically here -- see how much Behringer dislike him -- but I also think he is wrong. The fu…
If you trust the source of your information because they've been credible in the past, the ecosystem of reviewers matters less than an individual's relationship with a specific publication (or influencer, etc.)
On an individual reviewer basis, it's all about trust. Drive by consumption does not do well in this model.