I think wanting affirmation is inherent in people, and it is the same for people here. I think acknowledging people will help Free Republic grow. We should want even the weak people who seek affirmation from people online. 
Seriously though, I asked eight people several pertinent questions the other day and only one of them answered. 25 years ago they wouldn't shut up and the threads would go on forever.
Part is, as you say, the demographic has changed as we age out to that great shuffleboard court in the sky. But I also note that too many feel beaten down and near hopeless after the Big Election Steal of 2020 so feel keeping their heads down is the safest way be.
It's not "Safe Republic" - there's plenty of sites for that. I'm betting you can find Liz Cheney and the Turtle on those. Our Founders fully expected literal execution for speaking out, yet went ahead with the odds ten-to-one against succeeding. But because they dared they inspired.
That inspiration was contagious enough to overcome tyranny and establish a better form of government. It's painfully obvious that that government is now in dire trouble and needs it's patriots now more than ever.
So you good people please keep up the good work and never shut up.
Part is, as you say, the demographic has changed as we age out to that great shuffleboard court in the sky. But I also note that too many feel beaten down and near hopeless after the Big Election Steal of 2020 so feel keeping their heads down is the safest way be. I mentioned this very thing in an earlier response in this thread. People are somewhat despondent because they see the country on the wrong course and they see tyranny and corruption as the future. It depresses everyone and makes them hostile.
I still haven't gotten over the election steal of 2020, and I want people to go to prison for it. (Katie Hobbs comes to mind, as does Brad Raffensperger.)
That inspiration was contagious enough to overcome tyranny and establish a better form of government. It's painfully obvious that that government is now in dire trouble and needs it's patriots now more than ever.
Alas, I fear too many of us have become accustomed to a relatively easy life compared to what the founders faced. We have become indolent and lazy as a result of our prosperity, and many of us have forgotten what is really important in life.
Let us hope we can reawaken that spark we have seemingly lost.
So you good people please keep up the good work and never shut up.
Amen.