Sadly, in this day and age, every algorithm becomes a target for gamers to try and game. Typically, the read only metric was working well for the click baiters who were generating more eye rolling than engagement, but still, a read.

I think it's a real problem, but while this is all a bit annoying and in need of some refinement, I've seen a lot less dross in my feed.

It's incumbent of Medium to take on points of view like this and to try and strike a better balance.