Yes, in my opinion astroturfing and vote manipulation go and in hand. For me it’s not just an admin perspective, I Think users having this kind of info can be beneficial. Admins’ (or mods’) interests aren’t always aligned with users’ interests, as reddit has taught me.
I cancelled my preorder years ago and don’t regret it one bit. The last 4 games I ever preordered: Shenmue 3, No Man’s Sky, Cyberpunk 2077 and Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2. Never again.