Trying to take an objective view here, I think it can be good and bad. I think there are some interesting topics that the 'system' user can create to inspire conversation. At the same time, if there was a mandatory x posts started per day, there would just be useless topics (like some that lowside mentioned).

I would like to see a balance of starting interesting, relevant topics vs just increasing the number of threads for the sake of it.

edit: as an example, i think some of the threads are kind of cool, like the exotic pets one in the pet forum. Although the user should probably post with a normal font.. or else it just looks silly.

I would see the moderators of the respective sub-forums starting these threads to be a significant improvement over the system user doing it. And, if the sub-forums do not have a specified moderator maybe that should be looked at as a potential reason for the lack of threads beingg started by ordinary users.

^ that makes sense, if the forum mod was like a champion of that forum.. unfortunately, that's easier said than done

If there's a food topic you think might be interesting, go ahead and post it! People might just really like it and start commenting.

posts are too obvious, just benign trolling for activity. only thing missing is "RT if you agree; Favourite if you disagree".

would prefer threads to start with some real content. this account needs character, nobody actually has to know who it really is though.

who wants to respond to a "bot"?