I think the big issue is the long term dedicated users are text driven users. 14 years ago when I joined Reddit it was just linking if I recall correctly.

Now it’s all about trying to be tiktok. So 3rd party apps allowed that pure text experience without the cruft. Now this change is basically forcing new Reddit ui on all mobile users, whilst still claiming old.reddit is going nowhere.

If you’re around for 10+ years posting and engaging you’re a power user in my mind.