User blog comment:Fliu/Chapter 947: A Small Step Forward and a Lucky Break/@comment-25654036-20190628134149/@comment-2600:1702:3C50:A6E0:6CDC:FAFD:52D9:FE40-20190702005926

The rarer something is, the more valuable it typically is which is why devil fruits seem to see for so much despite the fact that eating a devil fruit can be much like flipping the switch in a slot machine. Unless one seeks out a specific fruit or knows the fruits by their appearance, they generally have no idea of what power they will get. The rarity of the fruit alongside the possibility of great power makes them worth a lot. As for Luffy's desire for a statue, I think he just likes big flashy things. Who am I to judge, I like fancy titles myself even if they don't mean anything. I think it is just part of the childish nature of Luffy that he wants that. Given that he is a pirate his social status really depends on the mindset of the person who is perceiving him. To many he is a hero, he does not seek to be seen that way but people will view him as they wish so some may see him as a hero and some see him as a villain. Different points of view and personal experience with him shape how he is perceived by people. Rodger, Whitebeard, and likely a number of other pirates are the same.