Multi-level-marketing: Deception?

For several years i was into multi level marketing (mlm) and felt if i can just get a few dozen people to join me, i would make an easy income. Yes, it is possible to make money in these types of programs and companies that promote it. But you have to bear in mind that there will always be some poor souls 'below you' who would be paying their subscription or promoting their affiliate links and not getting anything. Even if they do manage to get a few people, you tend to benefit from his work (although you did nothing to gain that income except recruiting him under you). This i feel is unethical. I base this statement after reading an article on this subject:

Multi-Level-Marketing Schemes

The deception in these schemes is the commission received from subscriptions and not the actual product itself. This includes 2-tier programs aswell as you will receive commission from the work of your referral's affiliate.