I've had conversations about what the less obvious ratings mean and people have different opinions about what they represent. Therefore, if I could wave a magic wand and change a few, I would do so.
I know some consider the "cookie" as condescending.
Same with the hug - but I think that could be fixed with a nicer icon - something warmer and fuzzier. I definitely want to keep the hug in play, though.
I've been told bucket of rainbows have different meanings to various folk, so now I may ask the giver about it (if I'm doing a writing exercise, for example, and get it for the first time from the moderator).
So, I generally don't use it myself so as to avoid any misunderstanding.
I think the more negative ratings could be retooled. I feel there is too much incentive for people to think, yeah this is funny! I'll give this rating! And maybe that's cool among friends. But not worth having if it trickles over to other situations where the use becomes iffy.
No quibble with the basics: Like, Love, Useful, Thank You.
I'm weird (fully acknowledged) but I would like to see some ratings possible that are not as squishy as "like" and "love"-- especially when posting reactions to story writing or just slice of life chatting.
I.e., something more neutral, but that says "hey, I read your post with interest." Maybe I didn't like the subject matter (death and destruction). Or I hate stories about happy little children. But I want to ping you in a positive way that's not gushy, mean or false, acknowledging your contribution.
Some possibilities:
"Interesting"
"Intriguing"
"Food for Thought"
"Point Well Made"
"Angels Sing"
Whatever!