I mean...you're kinda using sentimental anecdata to pat hn on the back a little bit here. There are definitely other explanations for sentiment change than being presented with facts.

There could be 2 other reasons: 1) Vocal people dynamics changed. It could be the case but other communities (eg reddit) do not show such behavior. The sentiment there is the same as before just louder, no shift. 2) Moderators are silencing one side of the audience. I do not have the evidence to prove such behavior.