In terms of the story, i'll focus on Luffy nakama / allied, not Luffy himself.
By the time Zoro-tachi knew Luffy's hard time Right after The separation by Kuma & they didnt t really have a big deal like Luffy's Marineford arc,... That's the time that Luffy Would have very strong Nakama. The emotional could lead to determine their haki. While Luffy Allies from WB remnants have a high chance to support SH.
In terms of the reader, it would make people discuss and protest about it.