Honestly unsure if I can explain it.....
You're more complex than (I think) most people give you credit for, and I know you are very intelligent. Most of your posts are serious, and you are often harsh in your approach - and by the end I usually agree with the point you are making no matter my opinion on your style. You make me think harder, or work harder at thinking about what you are saying, and I like that process, a lot. It's good for me.
Then you post something funny and I'm reminded again that people are way more complex than we can ever know. I mostly like you (although you do intimidate me a bit on certain matters) and when you make me laugh out loud, it's ... refreshing. I like it, at least in part because it usually catches me off guard.
I guess I'm trying to say that while I get why some people find you ... abrasive, I don't see it quite that way anymore. You haven't changed, but the way I "see" you has. I hope this sounds like a compliment, because it is - you are good for my critical thinking skills, and when you make me laugh as well, that's a bonus.
Edited to add: I'm not even sure that it matters to you one way or the other if I like you or not. It matters to me though.