People from other instances can and do use our communities and are affected by our admins' decisions. So to say they have no real stake in the matter is not entirely accurate.
That said, there are certain decisions they have no stake in, for example the debate of whether we defederate with x, y, or z.
My own personal line in the sand is what Wikipedia calls "the sixth generation": Sega Dreamcast, Nintendo Gamecube, Sony PS2, Microsoft Xbox. They're "retro" to me. Starting from the seventh generation, there was a noticeable bump in the ability for systems to churn out relatively-realistic graphics, with the PS3 and Xbox 360 leading the way, and the Wii embracing its delightfully-modern cartoony style.
It's already making things hard. Unless you live in a cave (and even if you do, quite probably, IDK) you'll have noticed an increase in the frequency of what's euphemistically called "extreme weather events". These things are bad for us, but even worse for crops, and they're going to keep on getting worse.
I downloaded the Amazon app a while back. The first message that popped up with a "join prime" screen. I very nearly tapped the join button because it was the only button on the screen and I wasn't paying attention - I had to scroll to find the "maybe later" button. They seem to love their hostile UI.
I don't like the article's use of the word "snares" - it's not as if it's a trap they're being sneaky about. There are signs everywhere, there's painting on the road, there's continual press coverage, and there are wide and well-signposted turning areas for private cars on either side of the bus gate. Anyone who gets "snared" by this is clearly driving while not paying attention, and deserves more than a fine IMHO.
I have long believed that the only stupid question is the one that hasn't been asked.
I feel it's better to ask the question (and feel stupid for a few minutes) than to remain stupid for the rest of my life. :)