"This seems to be a common complaint for most users. Is this not simply a natural consequence of “popularity?”"

I would have thought so. However, it is such a persistent complaint I have written about it rather bluntly in the past:

https://steemit.com/steemit/@lexiconical/steemit-like-life-is-a-popularity-contest-embrace-it-or-devote-your-efforts-to-other-pursuits-your-problem-is-not-the-reward

"One may call these opinions “shaming,”"

Just to clarify, I agree with the clause preceding this one, and I'm not calling voting/flagging shaming. I'm talking about a softer form of more cultural enforcement, although I think flagging users for tagging mistakes is capricious at best.

"And to be clear, “shaming” the “shamers” is just as valid, but make sure you can recognize that this is essentially what you’re doing."

Agreed, I did point the irony inherent here out twice. However, I am mostly arguing for inaction, rather than controlling other's actions. Silver rule.

"I don’t consider a user or any affiliated group of users as a “central authority.”"

Eventually, a large enough affiliated group is indistinguishable fro a central authority, no? Can appropriate limits be defined?

"Speaking out against these people - or criticizing any person or group in general - shouldn’t be considered “toxic” either. Criticism is more appreciated and needed than blind praise and continual fluff, especially when there are actual, persistent problems."

I couldn't agree more.