Edge - 3:43 pm on May 1, 2012 (gmt 0)

Has anyone discussed/evaluated whether "position in the SERPs" has any connection with drawing or sustaining the bot's attention?

Yes, the four original pages this bot pounded on my site all positioned in the serps above the fold at # 4 or better.

It has been my view that this is a Google, Bing or other serp modifiying bot attack.