This is a very interesting topic. I think it happens on all levels, and more than a few programs.
There are some programs where newbies automatically make nothing until they have been there for some 3 to 6 months or more, then they slowly start making some money – like a couple hundred.
Not all newbies are going to fall into a pattern like that, it is not natural. Newbies attract the occasional player too. Sometimes there are teasers, like $20 or some silly stuff.
I believe that some programs take the players these newbies bring in and pad the accounts of seniors when needed.
With other words, I believe that there are programs that will have certain payment schedules for certain affiliates, and they will move players to achieve this.
I find my income jumping around quite a bit with some programs – these obviously do not have me in any category. I find some will not let me slip below a certain number ( I suppose to keep exposure at a certain level) but let me earn more as I go.
I think the lowest and the highest income levels are the most fixed. Affiliates in between are allowed a bit more freedom of movement.
These programs think that we don’t compare notes, that we don’t reveal actual income to each other, and that therefor this will go undetected.
It may be true that newbies rarely get to exchange such things with the seniors, but they do talk more freely in the first place and we all hear about it.
So – is it immoral? As far as taking from newbies and giving to seniors – definitely.
As far as providing a certain amount of monthly income on a consistent basis to insure continued exposure – I don’t think that is immoral as long as it come from mediabuy money and not the players of others. I also don’t see why it has to be kept secret – it is a spend for a valid reason.