Yes there are some bots, yes some people cheat, but what you're implying is just plainly false.
M not saying m on the level of masters but definitely not a newbie... either way i don't need proof just go to chesscom, open a new free account and start grinding... you are gonna see fast the pattern on how the platform gets you engaged but you need to look careful, it entices you with free wins before going hard on you, having three to five games a day was the eureka moment to get good ratings... either go slow or pay premium to get an edge on the game and preferred match making.
I'm anywhere between 1000 and 1800 depending on time constraints and I have friends pushing 2000. All free accounts. Don't know what to tell ya.
If you are think m wrong go start a free account and prove me wrong, you have less than 9 months to go up to 1500 elo.
I play probably 20 a day.
Look up chess speed runs on YouTube.