They almost certainly do optimise that way, and it's likely the easiest optimizations to do due to their somewhat superficial nature.

However, a data driven mindset should be applicable on deeper levels also, but that probably takes longer to become possible to analyse, and crucially, I belive that it is likely to need a baseline of stylistically optimized content before the value of more abstract concepts can be discerned from the data.

An unfortunate effect of data driven is also that unless you also chase some crazy (possible) trends in the data, you will regress to content with maximal earnings in the short to medium term.

Data doesn't carry visions, at least not by themselves!