That just looks like discoloration that sheet metal gets with repeated heating. I would investigate the controls, there are contacts that open/close as a bimetallic strip heats up and cools off (basic thermostat). if the contact are arcing or stuck it could over heat, also since you said smoke was coming from the knob. . .
It’s not the numbers but the content, if they are good natured and have knowledge or entertainment to give the numbers will follow BUT people will also watch a dumpster fire. People with high numbers but lack the rest are not influencers. IMHO, People that go around saying they are “influencers” usually are not and are just bullies trying to throw around weight they don’t have to get free stuff or cause harm.