Here's the thing: there are certain characteristics that are necessary for something to go from Zero to critical mass; then - if that "something" crosses cha chasm, it becomes popular.
Now, the people who are instrumental in taking that "something" from Zero to critical mass are the early adopters (aka the weirdos, the foolish, the hungry) while the later-stage adopters are the boring "average" people, and - of course - spammer and influencers-wanna-bes.
Therefore communities later-stage are qite different environments than early-stage.
You can see that when working in start-ups (garage days vs post IPO days), you can see in using disruptive products, and, very publicly, in Reddit's subs too.
The good old days are indeed the good old days.
A few related resources:
* Crossing the Chasm
* The Innovator's Dilemma
* How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big