Currently there's no way to follow the activities of the people you're interested in. There is no point in even following people in the first place, except increase their count. I've never even noticed the follower count going away before checking the forums.
Lichess seems to have made it clear that this site is about chess, it's not a popularity contest or a social media site (thus there aren't any profile pictures either). Why not replace the follow button with an endorsement button? Give user the option to point out opponents that have been respectful or that you've played interesting, entertaining games against.
Lichess seems to have made it clear that this site is about chess, it's not a popularity contest or a social media site (thus there aren't any profile pictures either). Why not replace the follow button with an endorsement button? Give user the option to point out opponents that have been respectful or that you've played interesting, entertaining games against.