Zot and ZAP, in their current level of development, are superior to AP. Nomadic identity is huge, I think AP has some layers that would have something comparable if it was developed and deployed.

My approach to "federation" is more flexible, I count the owners of nodes as an indicator, accepting even tech like I2P or IPFS as "federation".

Technological competence and know-how is far more important than the "user", the "account". Coming to the Fediverse to talk about shit, rant and rave - anyone can do that. But underpinning the (IMHO) most important network is essential, or the "internet" going to become centralized around corporate fuckery.

I have high hopes for blockchains, but I am also terrified that it will shift the "ownership" of the "internet" to the owners of truly massive data centers.

Its a complex picture, but currently the owners of nodes are the owners of this network.