It seems that your argument is, that some marketing is somewhat malicious - and I agree.

But to say that all marketing is ill-intended and manipulative seems way to extreme.

"Providing good documentation" could be considered a marketing move, if that was what would set a product apart, and make it interesting to buyers.

Making bad ad-copy and intrusive advertising in general is not something I find very interesting personally. That doesn't mean, that it doesn't work, or isn't morally wrong (you mention smoking).

Selling and promoting your product is necessary for most companies. And it can be done in a tasteful, informative and non-intrusive manner.