The harm is not so much in the ask but in the existence of such 'influencers' to begin with. It's revolting in a regressive, quasi-aristocratic kind of way.
It really is, these people could also threaten to use their influence to smear places as well. So small business owners may feel the need to kowtow to the influencers' demands. Very much akin to: "Oh! You're the duke's nephew? Dinner is on the house, of course!"