there is not almost any attempt to organize public participation. Except maybe admin posts with discussions in comments. Also users can vote with their feet.

I agree that the admin instinct is mostly honest and democratic and they should be regarded for their work. But the instance governance is mostly autocratic. And this kind of structure usually devolves in despotism, since power corrupts.

Would be nice to see an institution-based instance, with a constitution, elections, balance of power. Would be a great social experiment!