As I understand it, mods are mostly annoyed because they've been using the API to compensate for features lacking in their official mod tools. Making the API cost money means the unofficial mod tools cost money, and hiding NSFW content in the API means they can't moderate (or remove) that content though those tools.
I think the blackouts have got wider support because users are also annoyed about losing the 3rd party app experience they know & love (and I speak as one of those users).
It feels like Reddit could have provided a few compromises here: improving mod tools before the API changes, opting moderators out of API charges and NSFW restrictions and providing a reasonably-priced per-account subscription allowing API access (so us old farts could keep the experience we know and love, at a reasonable price for Reddit) would all be welcome.
The timing of the changes was another major factor. Most of the app developers I’ve seen comment were more than happy to pay for API access (assuming Reddit set a good faith price point), but 30 days is not enough time to make that transition.
I think the blackouts have got wider support because users are also annoyed about losing the 3rd party app experience they know & love (and I speak as one of those users).
It feels like Reddit could have provided a few compromises here: improving mod tools before the API changes, opting moderators out of API charges and NSFW restrictions and providing a reasonably-priced per-account subscription allowing API access (so us old farts could keep the experience we know and love, at a reasonable price for Reddit) would all be welcome.