This right here is the most succinct outline of OP’s initial intent.

I like checking out new communities and instances as they pop up. I can’t remember a single one that was created under the banner of “free speech” that didn’t just turn into a gross space. I’m not saying it’s not possible. I’m just saying that in my experience “free speech” is code for far-right abuse geared to the most vulnerable people in society. If I see a community that has “free speech” as their main point, I take that as a sign to avoid it. Then a while later I hear about how some far right group is active there.