Can't get away from the feeling that the "mastodon is dead" article is overblown and exaggerated to a ridiculous degree. A public timeline is never going to stay a close-knit circle of friends as soon as any popularity is gained; expecting it to is complete nonsense. That's what local timelines are for.

And by the way, if your reaction to an instance for conservatives would be "nuke on sight", you're part of the problem.