For the most part, toolbox (r/toolbox) and RES were everything I needed. The redesigned modmail was a nice (but bright) update too.
In the end, I had my fun, a LOT of fun, but it started to grow boring.
I think what makes Reddit great is the small subs, especially now that defaults have been done away with, and the best / popular feeds are more commonplace.
The tools people talk about needing are truly for the massive, massive, subs like r/science, but I genuinely don't know how much longer those megasubs will continue to dominate for. Every change puts more eyeballs in the hands of mid size subs, and that's great.
I suppose my experience is not the same as those of megasubs, but hopefully my thoughts spark some interesting discussion, because I really do enjoy reddit.
Feel free to... AMA ;)
Reddit removed some of their dark patterns, because those were the only tools they had, and now their content shows a net loss.
Reddit needs to stop making empty promises, show that they actually care about their moderators, and give them the tools they need. They're dragging their feet on helping mods curate this content and love to wag their fingers at the moderators who are working with rudimentary tools, but they sure do love to name drop the high profile posters they get.