Yeah, good luck preventing forced "upgrades/updates" every time a new Windows OS comes out too. No thanks, I'll take my software locally thank you haha.

While I agree in the sense that influencers and greedy corps are less than desirable I also believe that the internet as a whole is better federated. Even if that includes bringing in the bullshit. With individually owned instances the users have better control in general. I don't agree with hoping certain types will stay away. I'd rather the entire social mediasphere (is that a word?) turn into a decentralized network of social media. Join instances you believe will maintain your core values and what you'd like to see. I am personally trying to be selective about the Instance(s) I use and hoping that'll ultimately reshape my social media experience for the better. Everyone, including annoying influencers should get that opportunity as well.