Artfights moderation has always been kinda whack, but with the new ridiculous rules they're rolling out, I definitely understand where anti-artfight people come from.
I just wish there was a better platform for something similar to it. I like doing art trades a lot but its SUPER HARD to find anyone willing to do it nowadays on most social media, and theres a lot of scamming and ghosting, at least AF gives you an outlet and excuse to actually participate in a trade because its very public.
Also sometimes for me personally, I like being able to browse people's characters and be able to pick and draw them because it helps me diversifiy my art. But also reduces a lot of anxiety just drawing someone's OC for fun without having to worry if they'll be upset with you for randomly drawing their character. Since some people are uncomfortable with stuff like that.
And also its easier because then you can also find OCs that fit your interests a lot more and like minded-people. Like for example I have trouble trying to advertise my characters for art trades because most popular art spaces are kinda flooded with people who only draw sparkledogs and warrior cats (no shade), not uhh normal ass human dudes lol. You can find art trading niches a bit better.