I also know a few art flies, too (people who make efforts to befriend many artists for the social credit they receive being associated and also the personal access to the artist).

I think it all comes down to the merits and perceived benefits of engaging with someone. If someone holds higher station, many others are likely to orbit them in the hopes of possible gain. Parasocial relationships, for example.

I used to think this was just because of group size. Like, the more people you have following you the more likely you are for some of them to be outspoken and friendly or otherwise supportive. But if that was the case you would see engagement on smaller followings, just less so. But you rarely do.

I've seen people I know - outgoing and with large friend groups - make posts on twitter or bluesky and receive no engagement time and again. But artists or popular (mur)suiters will get an incredible amount of engagement even on perceivably mundane posts.

lol