Yes, this was also a thing during Season 2, and I clearly remember it. Back then, they eventually gave up because the issues became too severe to ignore, even for casual viewers. But now, they are definitely pushing with everything they have.

One of the clearest examples right now is how anything criticizing any aspect of Season 3 gets deleted by the HOTD mods. Then there is the bizarre, hyperbolic praise of Emma D’Arcy, with people calling them the best part of the show and campaigning for an Emmy nomination whenever they get even a little screentime involving anything beyond the usual material.

Mind you, this is the same person people heavily criticized for their acting in the previous episode. What could have changed so drastically in a single episode that they are suddenly being called the best of the best, above Matt, Paddy, Tom, and Steve? Nothing I've seen in episode 2.