@robotmonkeys @kissane Yes and no. I think the local timeline is very nice to look at when you're on a smaller, interest-focused instance. You should make sure you choose an instance that has rules you agree with. And be aware that defederation exists, and your choice of server may cut off certain others.

All of these are factors, although maybe not necessarily ones a new user will think about at first. I agree with what you say about what matters to new users.