Do you really think that sucking up would work with Lauda?
Why wouldn't it? During "drama", people naturally support/defend those that do the same for them. They form a little "tribe". When someone gives them something to show appreciation of the support (in this case merit), in the back of their mind they feel obligated to return the favor so to speak. Besides which, a thread like isn't going to attract just Lauda. It will attract all the same people that have been in the other Lauda threads. If I wanted to attract attention to myself, farm some merit and do what you next mention, it's certainly the sort of thing I'd do.
earning respect and making friends
Yes, one could certainly say that's what's happening. To what end though? Given how you've pointed out how not one person on the planet knows who you are and how you've taken steps to ensure you can never get tracked, one has to wonder why. Whenever I see that sort of thing, it sets off all sorts of red flags for me.
Anyway, you're entertaining and I'm sure there will much more interesting/entertaining things to come from you. Carry on man!