Opinions are opinions, and are of equal validity. They don't suddenly become more valid just because you've been here years and have a high post count. Similarly, a good topic is a good topic, and it doesn't matter who makes it.
Personally, if people don't like what I have to say, they can either call me out on it and we can discuss it, or not read it. The site has block features if it bothers them that much. If I'm going to post, I will say exactly what I mean and mean exactly what I say, and if that upsets others, it's just tough luck. I'm not posting to be popular, or for likes, or whatever else. I'm posting for me, to make my voice heard, because I want to.
I don't see these things as a dictatorship, persay. People find certain personality types more agreeable than others, sure, but that doesn't mean you HAVE to be that way if you want people to like you. I'm a complete prick, and a lot of people who know of me don't like me or are completely indifferent to me. That said, there are people here who are willing to accept me for who I am and (apparently) even like me for it. It's the same on every forum, and in life in general: you can't please everyone.
What you describe is an in-site popularity contest, maybe, but then in my experience post count in no way reflects your value as a member - as is evidenced by the fact that there the post counts of staff members varies wildly, as does their join date - and people don't much care about likes, especially as you're the only one who can see how many you have, and most people use the like system because a post makes them laugh, or because a member makes a point they were going to make themselves. The problem you're describing, to me, is more that you feel people don't notice you. The only way to be noticed is to post more in places, start good topics, and actively interact with others through VM, PM, Discord, or whatever method you're most comfortable with. If you're going to compare yourself to someone who does all these things and more besides, of course you're going to feel inadequate, or ignored.
I doubt my words would mean much to you because you'd probably regard me as one of those "popular" members to whom this would apply...although if you think that I'd suggest going and seeing how many replies I get in Pokemon of the Day sometimes, or how many of my VG discussion threads have had a couple of replies - from the dedicated regulars who reply to literally everything - and then coming back and telling me that.