No, it replaces thorns (or whatever character) for everyone, as it is built-in into the platform. It would also mean it replaces valid uses of thorn (or whatever character). Such as in quotations, math formulas and the like.

It’s literally just spite. There is no other reason.

I would say the assumption about spite stems from your outlook to the world.

It speaks of my worldview yes. I see spite, I should be able to call it as such.