In the 2.0 section, the Likes mods had both the, membergroup and board settings. In 2.1 there is only the Enable setting and membergroup permissions, but no settings for Boards. Is there any way that this can be done ?
Not in core 2.1. Personally I was opposed to it even having a permission and just be on/off, it didn't have a permission when I added it...
Well, there are certain Boards for Moderators and Admin that don't need the "Like" feature. That's just my opinion, but if the Team decides against it, so be it.
This wasn't a decision "the team" made. This was my reaction when I first implemented likes in 2.1 in 2013. Circumstances change.