It's the same blockchain, but PALnet uses custom software to manage the front-end. Everything you do on PALnet happens on Steem, but not everything you do on Steem also happens on PALnet.

Using ANY promotion service on Steem will only have results on PALnet if the voting accounts also have PAL. Since most accounts selling votes through MB market are inactive or semi-active, the chances of getting votes from accounts that have claimed their PAL drop are extremely low.

Testing is much more informative when it's backed by solid theory/understanding, as you can actually design tests that tell you something new.