$wgThanksSendToBots should be set to true on Wikimedia wikis.
This:
- allows analytics of how many thanks each bot receives, facilitating evidence-based decisions on the relative importance of each bot and allowing prioritization of development
- lets the bot operator view which task receives the most thanks, again allowing for prioritization
- gives some motivation and recognition to bot operators that their work is appreciated, improving editor retention
- makes the ability to thank users more consistent and across-the-board
- promotes a sense of camaderie and community, and adds a bit of fun to the movement
Meta RFC: https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Requests_for_comment/Allow_thanking_bots