Schwim Dandy

You could just install .2 beta. It will update like normal when it goes mainstream.

https://9to5linux.com/linux-mint-22-2-zara-is-available-for-public-beta-testing-download-now

Not dead. Just irrelevant.

“Let it be free, but control it to keep this part out.”

That’s literally what you’re experiencing. You get to witness the flaw in the part where you don’t get to pick the entity that decides which content doesn’t belong.

I don’t think it’s an uptick, it’s been around for as long as I’ve used the Fediverse.

I’ve never understood the mindset that this social site is made up of a different mix of personalities than any other. It’s not. There’s very nice people here and there’s very mean people here. Often, the very nice are quiet so you won’t always notice them but the meanest are usually very outspoken and everyone comes across something left by them. Hatred, ignorance and toxicity is not something that’s left at the door of the fediverse.