Thanks for the positive write-up, Maryan. I think the niche approach works well for Medium Curation with the current boost-focused model. It's easier for Curators to have trust in their nominators if they are working within a small field of expertise. That said, as you point out, a 'niche' doesn't need to be limiting, which is better for readers, but probably less helpful for Curation, in that I'm no 'expert' in many of the topics covered at the pub - they just happen to be based in the countries covered.

I like that 'affinity with variety' approach and feel it is working well.

The 'general interest but only high quality' type of pub is a tricky one to pull off, I fear. If everything goes except writing that's a bit substandard, you have much fuzzier filters, and place more of an editorial and psychological burden on yourself as editor, I think. Where do I draw the line? How do I tell this person their submission is, ahem, 'in need of improvement'?