They realize it breh, they just push who they want.
Consider that if it wasn't for the MSG Curtain Call with the Kliq, they'd have pushed HHH initially instead of Austin.

They'd ultimately rather doctor audio to make it seem like fans are taking to their guy than acknowledge he isn't over and try something different or push the man who is.
I remember watching Dolph and Sheamus's No Way Out match.
Fans are going crazy screaming "Let's go, Ziggler!" and this doofus Lawler remarks, "Listen to the WWE Universe chanting 'Let's go, Sheamus!' YEAH!"

That type of shyt comes directly from Vince.
Doesn't matter to them; if he doesn't think much of you, you won't get that run except in the rare case of a Daniel Bryan who fans pretty forced their hand, in conjunction with CM Punk walking out on them.
They'd rather insult your intelligence and book around it.
All political and it definitely sucks.
Sucks more than anything for the talent who get over organically and don't get rewarded and sometimes, even get buried and punished for it.