[StavrosK]

Why isn't it socially acceptable to state that looks are important? I feel like people are conflating "external appearance matters" and "external appearance is all that matters" and demonizing the former in their attempt to ward away the latter.

[crooked-v]

Also, putting the "X out of 10" scale aside, some people are just drawn to certain looks more than others. Tall, short, certain facial structures, different body types, beards/no beards on men, etc.

[plemer]

That, but also some who feel they’re losing the beauty game want to flip the board over.

[buckminster]

I assume the OP isn't talking about beauty.