Yes, it really does!
Since my post yesterday, lemmy.world has added about new 2600 users, bringing the user count to 28361 users. It’s the clear second-largest lemmy instance out there and quickly closing in on lemmy.ml’s 36k users (not taking new signups).
Interestingly, third-largest lemmy instance beehaw.org seems to have lost about 275 users since yesterday. Guessing some people were pissed off about its defederation enough to delete their beehaw accounts?
I completely agree. I can suggest this instance and know that most people will find a place and have a similar experience.