zlacker

Pretty sure those who game their repo are motivated by investment into associated startup. I think you are right that community activity is a high fiedlity indicator and a smart investor in OSS startups should definitely not only lurk in the community but if possible actually have resources to kick the project tires as well.

In a very strange way (but reflective of the economic regime) a startup that fakes stars vs a straight-arrow startup that doesn't is demonstrating a key element for success in business, which seems to require a significant element of bullshiting, and outright deceiving. The mantra has been that "grow grow grow" is the only guideline for success. Inflating your stars is just rookie hour practice for bigger better growth b.s. down the line.