Definitely agree, it's a nice hybrid best of both worlds situation.

"Maybe, eventually finding a way to consistently open links to other instances/services in a way that opens it in your preferred instance/service"

This already exists as a TamperMonkey script iirc

I think we'll eventually need some kind of suggested content feed available for a low effort method to expand interests. I have been using the all feed to discover new stuff but I haven't subscribed to new stuff using All in the last couple of weeks. I usually search a few times within subjects I'm actively pursuing at any given time, but I am unlikely to search for the more peripherally entertaining type of content that I may really appreciate if it is suggested based on peer networking only.

I never thought of it that way. The answer is definitely yes

It's a return to form, new advancements without the corperate baggage.