I think what is important to realize is just how much of a % algo firms (bots) account for in the index futures game. Last year alone Jump Trading accounted for nearly 10% of the daily volume across all emini products.
That % is significant and will only increase in a liquidity driven bull market. If you factor in all the other algo houses, we are approaching nearly 50% of volume done in the eminis.
If you try and "tick" trade it is impossible to beat their speed and size. However, there are short run day trade patterns that are successful and will continue to work.