Looking at how Reddit operates compared to other platforms, there is a very high barrier to entry for posting. Between complex, subreddit-specific rules, automated removals, and a culture of blunt or hostile feedback in the comments, the friction to participate is unusually high.

Is this friction considered a feature or a bug for the platform's ecosystem?

On one hand, high friction and harsh peer moderation act as a quality filter against low-effort posts or spam.
On the other hand, it seems to create a strong selection bias, filtering out conflict-averse or casual users and leaving behind only those with thick skin or strong opinions.

How does this dynamic impact the overall tone and diversity of discussions on Reddit over time?

was it always the case for reddit? or am i wrong with my analysis?