All of the forum admins I have ever personally known if the like count/ratio/trend/etc could cause some posts to to be shown over others.
Like bombing to ensure posts get traction and individuals get higher ranks within the forum community has occurred in every forum I have participated in where such ranks exist.
Like this forum does with it’s trust levels.
Search for “Trust Levels” I think it will be the third hit.
https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/new-forum-guide-syntax-and-features/19903