While I wouldn’t say I like the instance users I do get some value from engaging with tankies, personally. They have a unique perspective and it motivates me to learn more about aspects history and politics that are not always discussed by other groups of people.
The big problem is that I’m not allowed to correct their misinformation. This makes honest discussions and learning impossible on the .ml instance. Since my instance is defederated from grad and Hexbear I have little knowledge of their space. When you say I wouldn’t like it, is that due to the users or due to the way the space is moderated? Can I go to these spaces and offer a respectful dissenting viewpoint? Personally I find that to be a very significant distinction. I don’t mind being the bearer of unpopular truths—in fact it gives me a certain satisfaction. But I will not tolerate spaces where the truth is completely silenced.
Unfortunately that kind of behavior from users is common on pretty much every instance from what I’ve seen. Just go to Lemmy.world and try to criticize Kamala Harris and see how it goes.
But from what I’ve seen the admins and mods there and on most other instances (usually) take a more measured hand and only ban when necessary, while frank discussion of Chinese history on Lemmy.ml is equated with racism and will get you an immediate ban from the entire instance.
That’s why I, even as a non-tankie leftist, prefer these spaces even though many tankies will claim they’re overrun with liberals. I still disagree with a lot of the conventional wisdom there, but I’m allowed to express that dissent and discuss any topic I wish to in a respectful way, which I think helps me and other people understand these contentious issues more fully and accurately.