I believe her appeal has nothing to do with her physical attractiveness or lack thereof. I believe it has mostly to do with the fact that her foray into pornography unfolded with her backstory as part and parcel of it. This is why she is known most often by association with Duke University. Now, if this was her intention I applaud her for it, regardless of motivation. Also it was subsequently revealed that her father learned of all this upon returning from military service in Afghanistan and he was obviously quite upset about it, obviously. I don't credit her with this development except inly insofar that clearly she is a very angry young lady for whatever reason.
On a side note, I wonder if this story is known in Afghanistan, Iraq, etc. by any of the radicals, and furthermore do they look upon it as a parable of sorts and confirmation on any of their views on our way of life.