It's a pity that's it only the chronological age that matters and not the mental age. There are plenty of over 18s who act like idiot kids when online :)
The fact the you keep calling it a "conspiracy theory" suggests you are attempting to convince us that it's not true.
While it's quite likely that publishers don't pay for glowing reviews, clearly there are pressures on reviewers to say nice things when advertising revenue hangs in the balance.
Don't believe me? Check out what Jeff Gerstmann (who got fired from Gamespot) had to say on this topic: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/116360-Jeff-Gerstmann-Explains-His-Departure-From-Gamespot
zygany's comments