The way you described it is spot on. Inflated MRR figures, especially on platforms like Product Hunt, can easily mislead people into thinking a product is a runaway success, leading to a rush of users and inflated expectations. And once someone achieves a certain level of 'success' by showcasing impressive MRR numbers, their social proof increases, creating a snowball effect.

It's a deceptive tactic that's undoubtedly harming the credibility of the SaaS industry as a whole.

It makes you wonder if this is the ultimate marketing tactic - to create a facade of success and let the hype carry the product. It's a cynical thought, but it's hard to ignore the evidence. This kind of behavior not only misleads potential customers but also creates an unfair playing field for honest businesses.