Can you rephrase your primary point in one concise sentence?
I follow free Republic because the items posted are often raw and unfiltered, like dragnet just the facts. The fact that freerepublic was often 24-48 hours ahead of the major media spin cycle I found to be refreshing, informative, and thought provoking. I, too have noticed less lead time and often see items on drudge and brietbart before showing on FR.
This could be because eight years of Obama placed many outside the direct observance of breaking news, could be because under the Trump administration the things of substance are not ‘floated’ to try and find a fake center or narrative. Perhaps things are coming back to a center of adults in charge being responsible?
Regardless, Freerepublic is still my new site of choice and to all who post, keep up the good work. Best analysis bar none, freepers seek after the truth and are not afraid to ask the hard question and demand answers. This is the place where truth is spoken unashamedly to power, not for position, but for Liberty and Justice before God to all.