I sure as hell hope it doesn't become mainstream - I don't think there's ever been a single thing that's benefitted over the long-term from mainstream popularity.

I understand that you don't want to be seen as gatekeeping, but I don't share that aversion. I overtly want the fediverse to remain somewhat confusing and opaque, and specifically so that dumb and/or impatient and/or lazy people will stay away. I think that every single person who gets confused and frustrated here and goes back to Reddit or Twitter is a net gain for the fediverse.