The big difference being the absence of the gatekeeper, which means anyone can post any old crap. To make sure there is quality stuff at the top of the feed, they need some kind of gatekeeper. Their algo failed, so they have resorted to manual sorting (in the 21st century!).

It's not the worst system imaginable. It may even be the least worst. But it inevitably has many flaws which undermine the editor and writer experience for many, while keeping readers (and hence accountants) fairly happy.

Maybe it's a fair price to pay for the freedom to share our writings with millions of - sorry, about eight - people.