An excellent thought, Thomas. Removing the claps brings in a whole lot of possibilities, as you very rightly pointed out, a comment for that matter. But Erika's point below is right too, we get to know a lot of new writers who read and clap for us, and then we go read their work. Maybe, Medium can remove the clap icon from public view and make it something that is only visible to the writer who wrote the piece. What do you think?

And, highlights are super useful! Loved this write-up! Would love to write for Scribe, shall check the details to enrol as a writer.