Star Trek: The Next Generation had the highest rating of the franchise.
The 1980s series had the highest ratings of all the series made from Star Trek. It became the highest-rated syndicated show near the end of its run and helped other series to be approved. Paramount launched a spin-off of the series, which did not achieve the popularity of The Next Generation but had enough viewership to be on the air for 7 seasons.
Of course, this hand gesture means "read between the lines"...
He came up with it for the character. He's the reason it's in the show. That's all that anyone needs to know. Pointy ears weren't a new thing, either.