You just reminded me of this, perfect context for it:
And it's all completely true, we're driven by lookism/aesthetics. People are more forgiving to "beautiful" characters for their actions, just look at how how people romanticise Doflamingo, Crocodile, Boa, Kaido, Ulti, Maria and so on, despite their actions, history and attitudes.
Sanji would look MUCH worse with his lecherous behaviour if he was ugly and or fat.
Speaking of Zoro with a green afro too btw:
I just remembered we had these frauds too, imagine if our SHs actually looked like this and how it would have impacted the story?
Can you imagine all the famous SH moments with these guys instead? LMAO But seriously, imagine how different everyone would react if they did what the SHs did?
Although on the other hand, Blackbeard manages to be very unattractive ("subjectively speaking") and yet is really entertaining, badass, charming etc. So personality does end up being most important, but having great looks is an absolute cheat code to popularity both RL and in fiction ofc.
On that note about the fake SHs and replicating SH moments, I strongly recommend reading
One Piece Party chapter 2 if you want a hilariously disturbing and cursed parody of Enies Lobby...