You are mostly correct, Infinite_Skillz. Two bots are always targetable, but they aren't programmed to attack you. In my experience, one must be within 500m of the bot in order to be noticed.

Another thing about bot systems, there are always 8 bots, no more, no less.

BEEEP. wrong.
There are plenty of systems with both more and less bots.

The common newbie botting sectors however, mostly follow your numbers.

Amendment: there is always the same number of bots in the same proportions at any given time in every botting sector(i.e. not necessarily stations).

once again. Wrong.

*sigh*

The bots sightedare only that, sighted. Some bots come and go, others stick around and respawn, others fly in squads with a transport or otherwise.

And once more, not all sectors have 8 bots in them, even botting sectors.

Spider's correct on this 1

RattMan: jj about the "old man" part but not the wait for one at a turn point. There are some sectors where the bots do not attack. In those, watch where they change direction and wait there for them. They will return to that spot. Once you land a shot on one, it will attack you.

Most sectors, however, have most bots on a "patrol" mode but at least two will eventually lock on you and attack.

note: I'm a 1/1/0/1/0, I've never botted past collectors and the occasional Apu-tek 5. Also, to find out how many bots are in the system, press 'u'.