It was within the last couple of years that I realized just what had transpired, and my mind was formally blown
This is not an insult, I say this because many people take it as an insult.
If you weren't there, you really won't
get it. The Kommunity has always fed on itself. Things get really, really nasty at times. People you thought were your friends for years all of a sudden claim you are a paid shill and wish death on your family. Eventually after much scorched earth, a group of users stage an exodus and everything pretty much returns to normal.
Now is probably no different. The true rage is probably yet to come, then a staged exodus by a small group of people. Eventually the fires will die and everyone left will rebuild.