While I'm sure this had a lot to do with it, I wouldn't be surprised if they also came up with a better rating system using statistics on the amount of views, how long it's been out, what percent watched it all the way through, etc.

If that were true, wouldn't the actual recommendations be better rather than substantially worse?

better for Netflix or better for us?

I sometimes think that they make it harder to discover content, so that it's also harder to discover that there is nothing you'll actually like. This will keep you browsing longer and starting some movies you'll stop watching. Shitty customer experience, but as far as I know they optimizer for time you spent with the platform.

They coulda just made their originals part of the simpler rating system instead. As jacked up as it is, it would be nice to find shows that I'd more than likely actually like.