Yes, they do make it to the top. Some of them are too obvious when it's commercials hiding as comments. It's some r/TIL and then the top comments are discussing some related product. Starts with a "wholesome" comment, then "Question" and then an answer that includes the product. It's completely scripted and normal replies are collapsed LOL. Try to ask the watchredditdie community because I remember seeing them discuss this with evidence of leaked admin logs iirc.