I want the person to know I actually looked at the post and liked it.

And you thinking leaving a comment of "Nice pic" shows that? Do you have any idea how simple it would be to make a bot that posts such comments? Now, given that a user is posting the same crappy comment on multiple articles, the chances of them actually liking your article are slim to none. It's more likely they're running a bot to post that shit for them and are not even aware of the article you posted, never mind actually liking it. They're simply kissing your arse in the hopes that you upvote them.

As an author, I couldn't give a flying fuck about "appreciative comments" which simply waste my time. I'm not a 5 year old that needs a pat on the head and a gold star for being a good little boy. I like the comments that disagree with what I have to say and provide reasoned arguments as to why they disagree. I love heated debate and can't stand people trying to kiss my arse.