federated isn’t actually the same thing as decentralized. lemmy isn’t intended to simply be a decentralized network of identical nodes that can automatically be synced and load balanced.
it is expected that each instance will be have it’s own flavor, and have the autonomy to decide which other instances to mesh with.
think more like a network of grassroot communities, and less like a MacDonald’s franchise.
beehaw disabled downvotes, but other instances haven’t. the sidebar said disabled downvotes encourages more active discussion, and prevents unpopular opinions from being silenced by a flood of downvotes. they want people to engage by saying “i disagree with you, here’s why” instead of passively downvoting and moving on.
you should be able to see you the upvotes on your comments though.