Note that a lot of free VPNs are easily identifiable and blacklisted by a lot of websites. Hell, even some paid ones have blacklisted IPs sometimes.
Browser fingerprinting is a thing (identifying someone by their browser's configuration and fonts, amongst other things), but I don't see them using that for bans honestly.
For what it's worth, having a few "bigger" instances means less confusion for users who don't completely understand federation yet but still want to make the switch. I wouldn't call it a bad thing, they can always turn to another smaller instance later on.
come join bi🐸irl
Apologies for the self promo, just trying to get it started. Feel free to delete if this isn't allowed :)
🐸 Welcome, feel free to post!
I've just created this community, and I do intend to keep it moderated and active.
I know it might be intimidating to post on a completely empty community, but please, feel free to do so! Everything needs a beginning, and I'd prefer a slow organic start than spamming the community myself with memes.
Therefore, welcome to you, and happy posting!
A ban for first offense seems excessive, but to be fair, this whole situation must be quite stressful for them and being asked by hundreds of users for support of X or Y alternative seems like it would quickly become annoying.