I think games are a pretty clear way to show status and position in a hierarchy. That being said, the game they used (Halo 3) doesn't show a clear hierarchy in my opinion, it's just based on results (kills/deaths). Games like Overwatch are much better because they have a ranking system similar to Elo in chess.

My perspective as a somewhat high ranked player in Overwatch (top 1 or 2% or something), the few female players at this rank (there aren't that many) I do respect a lot. I don't know why, I guess I welcome a girl that can reach that rank if they deserved it since it really isn't too common (if they deserved it. not boosted by their boyfriend by playing support, those girls are annoying). One girl I run into occasionally plays the sniper heroes, and she's quite good. She's also quite disagreeable (which I think is pretty necessary to be higher rank).

So yeah I can kind of confirm the whole positive comments thing. I don't know why it is, maybe the study is right about that.