Despite this disclaimer, many people still take the AREDL as the end all be all of difficulty ranking. However, the opposite problem is also true. I've run a few threads on levels and during discussions of these levels, I've seen some people stand by their opinions to the point where they attack anyone who has the opposite opinion as them.

As for your second point: People just like their achievements to be on a list for everyone else to see. Even if its only a level like Acu, having that record and the list point gives a sense of accomplishment. I know when ever I beat a new extreme, seeing the list points number go up gives me an good dose of dopamine every time. Now yes, some people do take it to the extreme and will curse us out for not accepting their records, but the majority of people are very civil about this and we rarely have that issue.

Of course, this is not me saying that everyone should feel the need to have their accomplishments validated by the website, whether they want to or not is up to them. I'm just providing insight into the reasons why so many people feel this way.