I'm ambivalent about this in some ways but what you're suggesting is compatible with what I would ask from them. If they're going to have a central directory, moderate that directory: that's one instance. Let others put up their own directories and moderate those; those are just additional instances. If the tech can be deployed to multiple instances, then it's federated by default.

[–] Cethin 3 points 2 weeks ago

Yeah, this is basically what I was getting at. Like your Lemmy homepage, it should be managed by your instance, not a central power. Even if they're perfect for you at first, it creates a thing that can be taken over or purchased without an alternative. Having a federated option makes it so you can find an instance you like or just spin up your own.