So let me start off by saying that I recognize that there was initially a genuine problem with people who didn't want NSFW content being exposed to it.
Some of this was due to the fact that not all content was being correctly flagged as NSFW, and some of it was because a lot of users didn't realize that individual users can choose to completely block an entire instance - which is not only a very easy and fast solution, but also does not require an all-or-nothing approach of defederating from NSFW instances.
A number of changes were made, but some of those lingering changes have meant that people who do want to see NSFW content are not because:
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Even having subscribed to several NSFW subs, they are effectively completely missing from my feed.
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Most NSFW thumbnails are blurred.
Both of these behaviors should not be occurring if a user has chosen in their settings to NOT hide NSFW content.
However, I will also say that the blurred state is something that deserves its own user setting (i.e. so that a user can choose to NOT hide NSFW, but still want them blurred or not) - preferably with the granularity to set it for various sub-types of NSFW (e.g. porn, gore, etc...).
Should be user's choice. Have it enabled by default, but with a possibility to turn it off.
Nope. Content is mirrored and hosted locally, so it's the admin's choice and responsibility.
Moreover, listening to choruses of "individual choice" are how you end up providing a server for people who feel no responsibility to their neighbours and communities. Structural issues require more than "Fuck you, I can do what I want."
You can choose to use a different instsnce if you don't like what the admin's doing. Or you can start your own. That's how you can do what you want.
Edit: I do love the downvotes from the "I can do what to want" crowd, knowing that they're also the "my property, my rules" crowd. Except when they're the ones using someone else's shit, of course.
It's not a coherent ideology.
I don't get your reasoning. There's no downside to letting users choose.
And I find the 'love it or leave it' approach distasteful.
I generally like what the admin is doing, in large part because he listens to user feedback, which I was providing.
Of course you're entitled to your opinion.
edit: wait it does makes sense in a way to avoid hosting illegal content, if the instance doesn't have the manpower to moderate effectively. nevermind. still think those issues should be discussed collectively.
The downside is investing tons of time making and testing code that ultimately accomplishes nothing that wouldn't also be achieved by making your own instance.