I guess I am on the other side of things. I honestly did not care for or use the "like" buttons. I feel like they were a little redundant on a forum. It is just as easy to simply post up a reply with a thanks in it, or that you liked their post or picture.
I feel like a actual typed out response is more sincere than a button to "say it for you".
Just my two cents.
I do appreciate all the work you do to keep this place going and understand the frustrations that come with it.