Also, usually, even when I strongly disagree with a piece or if I completely loathe what the author has written -- more often than not, I'll simply refrain from commenting (or clapping).

Why? Because I've noticed that most writers who have positioned themselves as provocateurs on Medium are NOT actually open to constructive criticism...and they will reply to most criticism in their Comments Section with a dismissive, "Enough of you. Be gone!" wave away of their virtual hand (or something to that degree). Apparently, they are only looking for echo chambers to validate their perspectives.

I only leave comments if I feel I have some relevant thoughts to add (to build on what the author has already said), or if I just want to offer them general praise for writing a great piece (sometimes highlighting what I especially liked about it). If I post outright dissenting comments, it will be because I have sensed the author is open to such criticism.