Lately it feels like Netflix's algorithm is "just show Netflix produced content". Maybe I'm being nostalgic but I really miss the old shooting star recommendation system where you rated content and got similar likes from other viewers.
Did everyone just forget about the Netflix Prize? [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netflix_Prize]
There was a brief time when they had the absolute best recommendation algorithm on the planet. It was intentionally replaced by something utterly different which is geared to simply steer everyone to IP that they own. It is not remotely similar. I have absolutely hated every change they've made to their UI since they ditched the old ratings system, too (forces you to use the mouse and sets you up for fumbling what should be clear actions, so you spend more time browsing - which costs them almost nothing - and less time watching). My guess is, research indicated they'd make more money with these changes than by licensing content audiences actually prefer and building a sane interface.
As it turns out, the Netflix golden age was a short-lived anomaly if not outright farce. If you want decent curation of content and also to be able to watch it, you will have to pay through the nose or pirate. Same as it ever was. It's consumer hostile, but the system is working as its overseers intend. Whether it's really the best long term strategy is still an open question in my book.
HBO Max I'm on the fence about. I really like HBO but not sure I need or want everything that comes with the Max flavor.
But it doesn't actually work that way, 4 star uber drivers get kicked off the platform, 2 star Amazon products suck, 2-3 star movies suck. 4-star movies are okay.
As such, I think we can conclude that people don't actually know how to use a star rating system and we should just get rid of it.