The article is misdated, as "2007-08-18" The general principle still seems relevant, of relishing obstacles and difficulties because they discourage the compet

The article is misdated, as "2007-08-18" The general principle still seems relevant, of relishing obstacles and difficulties because they discourage the competition. Although we don't have "yes/no" filters today, don't influencers have a role - like what youtube highlights etc? Or do these have relatively little effect, compared to the spontaneous, organic, emergent, collective choices of crowds?