Don't fall into the trap of thinking you have to RESPECT other people's opinions. You can & should ACKNOWLEDGE their opinions as well as agree with their individual right to have their own opinions but you do not have to respect them.
Whether someone likes a game or not is fairly innocuous, so no big deal in this case, but someone who has racist, misogynistic or other bigoted opinions on things - for example - you never have to respect those.
Hope this helps
P.S. I agree with you, this game is great!!