This is really well written! So you reckon part of the reason for the fandom's growth is the loneliness epidemic, which encourages more people to join such communities online? I think the furry fandom is a great remedy for loneliness to be honest - getting weird, queer people together to have fun without judgement.
Side note: I think you missed one of the largest factors contributing to a loneliness epidemic: lockdown. I feel like this normalised the want to stay indoors, away from other people. And encouraged us online (more so than before) which kickstarted that cycle of people digging themselves ever deeper into these incel and conspiratorial echo chambers, where they begin to despise everyone outside of their circle.