This issue not only costs #mastodon new users, but may cause existing users to leave for other services.
Leaving will lead to instances closing down. An instance closing down actually has ripple effects, making this issue worse because it takes some of the replies with it.
This reply problem is a big deal for the #fediverse. Free software doesn't have to equate to a crap experience.
And anyway, you should give to Mastodon if you haven't.