I've encountered several trolls. I've had my writing criticized. I've had my personal appearance ridiculed. I've been called all manner of names. Like you, I leave the comments up. I even wrote a story about it. For me, it's like this.

1. I get paid by the read, you wanna come to my story and take the time to tell me what a piece of shit you think I am. Fine. Thanks for the treat money;

2. Sometimes I might even respond, you know, with just the right amount of snark just to make sure I assist them in their obvious efforts to expose their own ignorance. What can I say, I'm a giver;

3. As you pointed out, gotta feed that algorithm;

4. If I'm pissing people off that much, I must be doing something right.

Enjoyed your story. :)