Blame “sponsored” products — but I totally agree with your takeaway. I am knowledgeable in neither UX/UI or any real level of marketing, but am continually amazed that I am in a “store” online and have asked for a particular “sort” of products. This is a function the site itself says it offers. If I “sort” on average customer review, the 3rd item is well below the 4th in my ranking of choice (but tagged “sponsored” item). I assume this product is buying its way in and / or offering more margin to the seller. There are precious few things left where we can really look to an independent arbiter.