Working your way around Reddits problems and dark patterns while still feeding the content machine and contributing to its network effect isn't really a superior solution, either.

Also, this is just a personal anecdote, but ditching Reddit was one of the best ideas I've ever had. There's good stuff in there, but also a lot of obvious and hidden advertisement and it's very easy to get lost and spend hours just scrolling.

Not really. I use either Apollo or Relay (depending on what device I have in my hand) and only subscribe to the subs I want to view. I do not have to work my way through anything.

Here are a few because I know someone will ask:

/r/personalfinance

/r/TropicalWeather

/r/homelab

/r/homeserver

/r/datahoarder

/r/Bogleheads

/r/pizza

Edit: Now, will someone post some BS on one of those subs? yes, sometimes. But the mods tamp it down pretty quick.

I think reddit still allows you to turn subreddits into rss feeds, which seems like a better way to consume content without the distractions.

You forget that those subs could be replaced by a more practical forum.

Could they though?