[bruce511]

Sure, there are cases where the axe is swung broadly, and individuals cannot protect themselves because they were not individually targeted.

However the point of being "liked" is as good s proxy measure as any other. People like working with people they like. Things that get you liked are often related to either overall usefulness (I like, and thus protect, the people who make my day easier).

Like any measure it can be gamed, but it's certainly a measure that doesn't hurt to optimize. (no one was chosen to be cut because "they are well liked")

Conversely being disliked can certainly bump you up the queue.