For over a month now we have been testing out removing the added reputation a 'Like' would give as we were seeing people mass Like and not take the time to comment or rep a member if they felt they deserved it. It's been funny watching the same people Like the same people, I wonder if they know that 'rep' is no longer given when you do this. A like is simply that, you like what someone has posted. Now if you want to properly show your appreciation to someone then either give them rep and/or post a comment too.
And I can't believe I am saying this either, but if you want someone to reply to you, make sure you are replying to them or other people too. You may not realise it but you notice people who post in response to others more so than those who only want to be posted about. I see it personally in a number of threads where people post their own media, but completely miss out those above them and then get annoyed when noone comments on theirs.
It works both ways.
Obviously this isn't aimed at everyone but I have been watching for the paths people take and it's easy to see those I am talking about.