I agree that it's scummy, but I don't think he creates "nothing of value." How is this any different from influencers promoting and following brands manually?

I agree that it's scummy, but I don't think he creates "nothing of value." How is this any different from influencers promoting and following brands manually? He's created a curated feed of NYC pictures that thousands of people follow and like. There is value in that, and the restaurants offering him free meals proves it. I wish he had posted about his follow-ups with the restaurants (does he actually tag them & promote their business?) If yes, he's fine and is upholding what he agreed to do.