That is the problem. Most users I know would not expect 
to be counted as a like. IMO should be the other way. should default to not being counted as a like and only be counted as a like if changed.
Maybe it should not be considered a reaction but a reply as it is not a positive or negative reaction. Think of it as a reply that does not trigger a notification but lets others know that one has seen the post.
If I knew that would eventually be considered as a positive reaction I never would have suggested the use .