I can see this being an option in all clients going forward, that most don't use.

(I'm thinking like it's 2035 and normies are finally joining by the millions because bitcoin is now money and you could earn money for simply posting a meme on nostr)

IMO;

Likes let's the user know if the note matches their followers vibe.

Zaps are a step further into the current V4V you speak of but i think likes give value in knowing you could be going in the right direction with a thought etc.