You could swap who you follow on whatever app you like... And sure “open protocols” don’t have to have algorithms, or they could have them and you could choose between them, as you say. But, again, that’s potentially the same with any app… an implementation like Damus could have an algorithm that’s “good”, or one that manipulates you just like the big tech companies. Anyone or any corporation can make a Damus… and by the way Damus does it already. Just go to the search tab and check the top right filter… Damus already chooses for you what you’re exposed to.