I'll give this a shot. I've only just browsed a few posts here, mostly by other displaced Voaters, so I'm really just echoing things, but while I had no issues with Voat's "immune system" so to speak, it also stifled most anything that didn't have to do with globalism and race. Mostly, I appreciated the ability on Voat to find alternative news sources and be able to discuss actual problems that western countries were facing.
Having said that, I watched more than a few small subs get destroyed by "free speech" crusaders that wanted to spew vulgarity everywhere, regardless of subs, and in my opinion that was nearly (not quite, but nearly) as bad as the censorship on reddit because it had the same effect of driving users away.
While I'm not a major content contributor, I had small music subs on both reddit and Voat (rock and blues), and I'd like to do the same here. I'll also be looking for any gaming (board, pen and paper, and video games) subs.
So that's that, I suppose. Regardless about what happens or doesn't with Voat, I'll be staying to give this place a chance.
I agree with what you're saying, the so-called "free speech" was just as effective as the "censorship" at destroying well-meaning communities. That's what really drove me away. The story of /v/TheDinnerTable comes to mind. What a terrible situation that was, that's when I had had enough.
The music subs here are very, almost too, active so you'll find yourself at home there.
Welcome, Dudicles.