I’ve been using Relay since 2013, before the official app existed. It is better than the official app in every way: it’s UI is cleaner, it’s quicker, it’s easier to follow comment threads and sort them, etc. Not to mention that there are no “sponsored” posts (ads) and banner apps every other post or comment…

How is the first party app better, exactly?

I understand that you don’t. But some of us do not mind these things and/or want them. Perhaps there is a compromise (e.g. an optional global ID if you opt in to the system)

All of the forums I’ve used didn’t focus on a single topic or subject. It was usually made up of people sharing a general interest, but there were always boards within each forum for either general discussion or more focused discussion on a particular topic like movies, games, art, philosophy, etc

What about the users of the third party apps?

Suddenly have a craving for some Yorkshire Tea