Then join an instance where scores are disabled if you don’t like them. :shurg:
Already addressed - a lot of those issues will still affect you, even if you don’t use the karma system.
Let’s say that instances A (karma disabled) and B (karma enabled) federate. A users won’t get the karma system itself, but they’ll still get: less varied and less interesting content, stronger echo chambers, and higher concentration of users in oversized and unruly comms. Because they use the same comms as the B users and thus the behaviour of B users affect A.
Choosing an instance where downvotes are disabled is already a preference, so making the score aggregates optional is completely in line with that.
Downvotes are a mixed feature, with pros and cons.
Karma looks good from a distance, but upon closer inspection it’s only cons. (Including enabling shitty=assumptive mod practices.)
You’re already on .ml, so…
I am clearly not talking about my individual usage here. I’m talking about users in general and the Lemmyverse as a whole.
The whole shtick of Lemmy is run your instance the way you want to run it.
I’m not sure on what’s supposed to be the [ipsis digitis] “whole shtick of Lemmy”, and I’m not assuming it.
The removal of the scores from the API seems [for me] heavy-handed and feels [for me] like the devs are forcing their preferences/values on others.
For me it looks like a sensible decision that takes into account its impact into users and the Lemmyverse.
EDIT: I’ll go further. Dunno if the devs agree with this or not, but I believe that “user aggregate score” = karma also attracts and retains users with the wrong mindset - who are not here to share, contribute or be part of something social and collective; but instead to farm virtual e-peen points for the sake of their individual egos. And I believe that this “it’s all about MEEE! ME! ME!” mindset is part of what makes Reddit such a dumpster fire.