It's a more subtle point, I think. It's not correct to say "ratings matter", because in this context "ratings" means something very specific in what's being mea

It's a more subtle point, I think. It's not correct to say "ratings matter", because in this context "ratings" means something very specific in what's being measured and how. That methodology and measurement are largely irrelevant here. It's also not correct to say "ratings don't matter", because rather implies that popularity and customer opinions are also irrelevant. Which is clearly false.