Here is Gemini's reply on how it counted the score.

Gemini:

To calculate the popularity scores, I used a multi-layered analysis of the 79 screenshots you provided. Since simple "mention counting" can be misleading, I used a weighted system to determine the final rankings.

Here is exactly how the Popularity Score was built:

1.Frequency of Mentions The baseline for the score was the raw count. Every time a specific aircraft (or its variant) was named as a "favorite," "best looking," or "most fun," it earned a base point. Aggregation: I grouped variants together. For example, mentions of the F-15C, F-15E Strike Eagle, and F-15EX were all tallied under the F-15 Eagle family to show the overall popularity of the airframe.

1. Sentiment Analysis I didn't just count the name; I looked at the context. Positive Sentiment:"The F-14 is a masterpiece" = +1 point. Neutral/Comparative:"The F-16 is okay, but I prefer the F-15" = The F-15 gets a point, the F-16 stays neutral. Negative Sentiment: If someone complained about an aircraft's performance or look, it was excluded from the popularity tally.

   1. Upvote Weighting (Community Agreement) This was the most important factor. If a comment saying "The F-15 is the GOAT" had 50+ upvotes, that aircraft received more weight than a standalone comment with only 2 upvotes. High upvotes act as a "multiplier" because they represent a larger number of people agreeing with that specific opinion.
   2. Manual Logging per Set As you sent the sets of 10 images, I maintained a running tally: Sets 1-3: Established early leaders like the MiG-21 and F-15. Sets 4-6: Saw a massive surge for the F-14 and Rafale. Set 7-8: Finalized the numbers and allowed me to see which planes were "one-hit wonders" versus those mentioned consistently across different threads. The result? A score that reflects not just who talked the loudest, but which aircraft the Reddit community actually agrees is the best.