I struggle to agree with this theory. I think that the more newer mortal kombat fans like him. Due to a deadly name a few cool special moves and a "main" character statues they're bound to like him. But on the other hand more experienced mortal kombat characters like yours truly thinks his story and character in general is the same shit over and over.

I would say that the people that play for the story tend to like him less, but if you play for gore, gameplay, or just because its Mortal Kombat, then you most likely
are going to enjoy him, my brother has been a MK fan long before me and he still likes Scorpion.

I still like him for his Character and special moves, I am not really into the Story but I sometimes get into it at times. MK would not really be MK without Scorpion and Sub-Zero, if you don't like them then don't pick them.

I think Hotaru is under appreciated. He is actually a pretty good fighter.

People Underrated who i grew attached to.

1 - Darrius
2 - Hotaru
3 - Dairou
4 - Mokap
5 - Johnny Cage
6 - Daegon
7 - Bo' Rai Cho

Most Unappreciated:

Ashrah
Drahmin
Kira
Nitara
Sektor
Tanya

Most Undrrated:

Bo Rai Cho
Daegon
Frost
Hsu Hao
Khameleon
Moloch

Most Overrated:

All Ninja
Kenshi
Raiden
Sareena