Can confirm. Had to type with one hand.

I think r/aww is also going for the John Oliver thirst (and I am absolutely all for it), And r/wellthatsucks is now all about hoovers.... and the mods were throwing out awards left, right and centre, that gives people premium access.

Also, ModCoord finally started advertising for alternatives on their latest post. Mentioned Kbin, Lemmy, Squabbles and Tildes.

Piracy is one that pointed directly to communities on Lemmy, but it is not that huge.

Haven't checked others, but I'd imagine some maybe started doing so as well and there's where the growth comes from. I don't really think it's bots, so far.