I see subreddits the same as opensource projects in this regard - users have all the tools and rights to fork. And the mods/maintainers can run the original to the ground if they so wish
Not exactly that easy to tell users that is happening tho
True, but the mandatory scheme to hand over your project to a vote also has consequences. The point it what's better overall and I don't think there is a clear and universal answer that works in all cases so we are left with the safer option