The lack of “smart” feed is a feature.

Absolutely! The feed isn’t a random mishmash. The natural order in which people post gives the Mastodon feed a very organic feeling. And there is no doom scrolling. You eventually hit the point where you left it last time and there’s nothing more to see. Contrary to how it sounds, it gives you a feeling of satisfaction and closure. Honestly, the algorithmic feeds have done great psychological harm.