You really think that if the float were close to locked, or there was a large naked short position, another investor would pay $100,000 to promote the stock?
Think of the size of your position and the gain in price you would need to justify paying that kind of money to promote your investment (and you're not even a controlling stockholder).
Also makes you wonder if other payments were made to promote the stock.
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. EDMUND BURKE (and others)