The switch isn’t too difficult imo. I only lurk on reddit for certain communities, but much of the news/memes here are the same or better. The comment sections seem more sincere here too.

Most importantly, no ads and the ability to block users/communities/domains that you don’t want to see/hear

Don’t engage with the troll. Just block them ;)

How does generating engagement using AI do anything but add to the noise that actual people have to filter though?

Oh, it’s the Logic and Ethics guy. I remember blocking that weirdo/bot a while ago after seeing his posts in one of the communities here.