I believe Ted's popularity is both a blessing and a curse. During one conversation I was surprised to hear about how PETA was all over Ted like a fly on poop. I think his popularity won out, but it sounds like that battle could be a PITA itself.
Having an enemy like PETA is an unpleasant thing. They can and probably do assign a couple of eager beavers to monitor Ted's every step online and look for any opening to give him trouble.