Most people just use the web interface

The thing about email is that the software is proprietary. Each of these providers has their own implementation of the interface, features, and integration with their tools (Google drive, photos, etc).

As long as lemmy servers run lemmy software, this won’t happen, or at least won’t be an issue as you can move to another server and not have to change your usage habits.

However if some server owners decide to fork Lemmy and develop their proprietary server, overhaul the UI, add features and attract users, it will start to become a problem.

“I’m metric, be gentle”