The concept of 'likes' seems to serve little purpose beyond inflating the egos of a select few who've long exploited it. Ironically, those adorned with the highest likes often dispense the most intellectually lacking advice, bordering on trolling, thereby discouraging newcomers from engaging further. Removing this feature could genuinely enhance the gaming experience.

exactly

Agreed.  Heidel Street has a few notoriously toxic players that boost each others likes.  It's a joke