The awareness/perception of some with regard to intellectual level is based solely on whether or not they LIKE someone. WHAT?

People they like are always VERY SMART
People they don't like aren't.

Period.

That is the natural proclivity of the simpleminded. Or is it inherently a good thing to think well of those you like and ill of those you don't?

Who is going to admit they like stupid dumb much better than intelligent? No one that's who.