I agree with your thoughts on the follow for follow strategy. I joined the MPP before the 100 follower rule. I was happily growing my followers slowly and organically when I received the email from Medium in mid-Feb. If I didn’t reach 100 by beginning of March I’d be off the MPP. I confess to following the dark path for a couple of days just so I could get the requisite number and then be able to relax again. People were very supportive and I always checked the content of other writers before following them. But, I agree, it’s not the way to go. Now I don’t have the Grand Order of the Medium Boot hanging over me I can afford to relax again and continue in a more agreeable fashion. Good luck with your writing.