I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss, external popularity can paint a target on your back for 0.000x% of people (which, of course is infinitesimal but non-zero).

I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss, external popularity can paint a target on your back for 0.000x% of people (which, of course is infinitesimal but non-zero). I myself have been harrassed for wearing local game studio garb because our games are "violent" and we have "problems with violence" in the city. The game was a vampire fantasy battle royale, so not exactly a realistic depiction of gun crime- people who feel vindicated to act a certain way will do so without shame or impunity. Best to not give them anything to cling to.