There are a handful of considerations. Two that were important to me:
The instance host wasn't likely to call it quits a few months in.
The instance host is hands off when it comes to user expression, with the exception of dangerous illegal activity and legitimate and serious cases of harassment.
I find a good amount of opinions in that post highly idealized and conceptual, but not really the end experience. Nevertheless, thank you for sharing the link.
I'd be more open to a voting system that rewards actual contribution. For example, a user is allotted (rewarded?) a certain number of votes for every post and every comment they make. The content creators and discussion participants drive the platform.
I'm sure a whole new set of problems would arise, but I feel it'd be a fresh experience, with less armchair warriors.
United is the fucking worst.