So, in theory, of we keep the individual instances manageably small and spread everyone across multiple instances we should be sustainable. As it generally doesn't matter which instance you're on so long as its federated with the community at-large we could keep the instance servers affordable for the admins and users that are able to financially contribute.
Knew who it was going to be before I opened the article. So, here's the thing about Avi Loeb. He's been very influential in the field being the chair of the Astronomy department at Harvard and serving on/leading several important committees and research initiatives. However, especially in his older age, he loves to spout any crazy theory he thinks up. Really, the majority of us in the professional astronomy field we just deal with him and mostly just ignore him. He likes to make outlandish claims which unfortunately can be very headline grabbing for the general public. Just put on your very skeptical goggles whenever you see something from him.