I just thought of this, but could the reason that so many people seem to think fanfiction is as good as (good) books be that the only books they read is like shitty ya books and so that's their whole perception of what literature is like? Bc those are (in my experience at least) not very profound either and mostly just fun to read (if you're lucky that is lmao) and if that's someones whole idea of a good book it's really no wonder they would find fanfic better or equal to books. (obv theyre wrong and should read better books but. I feel like this might play a role in the weirdness and stupidity many of those 'hot takes' carry)