What’s great about Retort is communities can set a limited number of meaningful reactions. Beyond those, people can include whatever emoji in a normal reply post.
So the choice isn’t stuck between just-1 or “smorgasboard”.
I really hope the multiple-reactions official support will arrive. The transition toward that for those at risk of losing Retort is potentially very awkward. Much appreciation to everyone who has been and will in the future be able to help with this.