Yeah, Snape's my favorite HP character.

I think it makes sense, though: they're drawn to Snape because of their own festering persecution complexes. I think most of them like Snape less for his actual character and more because he's an easy canvas on which to project their issues: resentment of people for whom being popular and well-liked comes easily, or bitterness that the pretty girl never chooses the "Nice Guy" (even if the guy is a creep). Acknowledging that Snape was ostracized for his ugly behavior, or that their fanatic communities might actually harbor a lot of questionable attitudes, is like admitting that they might be partially responsible for their own problems.