i joined dxcomplex because it was the smallest instance i was confident wouldn't fold (and i liked the name);
then it folded so i joined .world because it was the smallest instance i was confident wouldn't fold (and i liked the name);
then it got massive so i joined lemm.ee because it was the smallest instance i was confident wouldn't fold (and i liked the name)
This graph is actually wrong, lemmy.ml doesn't have open sign ups, it just appears to because the Lemmy software doesn't accurately distinguish between open and closed registrations, it only distinguishes between open registrations and application-based registrations.
If registrations are closed it'll look just like they are open, but we'll just give an error message when you try to sign up which is incredibly deceiving.