@freemo signing up just to compare is okay, but I'm not signing up to #threads
because the entire point of federation is so that you don't need a separate account everywhere. (Once they actually enable federation)
As for the commotion it seems weird and a lack of understanding what federation means.
Like what does it matter if you are using a small/your own email server if Gmail joins the email system.
They aren't going to start sending you spam (that would get them blocked).
But it does mean you can now send messages to and from people you know on that system, with no down sides.
Having the #Freedom for each person to choose if they want an ad free small server, or a big player that might have a slicker interface/search (but has adverts), while still being able to communicate with each other is a good thing.