I think it does too. Although, I think this is one of the few instances where the show's charm is actually also due to the fandom's contribution. I remember I started watching it because I saw a bunch of really awesome stuff made by the fans that're so out there. I don't actually recall a point where I went "I'm now a fan", but it was pretty gradual.
There's this "Pokemon effect" after a while, which plays a role too -- you start trying seeing glimpses of background ponies and go "HAY THAT'S ____". E.g. Derpy and Doctor Whooves. It's like playing Where's Waldo. :> And when you see them you kinda associate the fandom stuff made about them with their actual characters, while the show actually doesn't have that much of depth for them itself. I'd say someone should do a study on the fan-creation effect here, but knowing the pony community someone probably already did.