Exactly this. If you learn that someone is from your same tribe, shares the same experiences, or shares the same values this transmits real information.

The information can mean that the other does in fact understand you better, even if they don't know you personally.

I would argue that it's a valid heuristic and not out of place in the modern world.

You see it all the time in social interactions where individuals want to be relatable. Of course I can be manipulated, but that doesn't mean it isn't of value