Sure, but as long as modding is a volunteer position that won't change. If for no other reason that like you say, it's not a position that motivates you to investigate reports.

Couple that with how toxic and negative Lemmy is overall, and it doesn't surprise me that the raw volume of reports will lead to a very high amount of "yeah, sure" bans with mininal investigation.

Plus the last part wasn't meant as a "join in" thing, rather, if you desire an instance that does not abide by bad moderation, the fediverse puts the onus on you to create that instance. Everyone is free to do so, within some limitations such as - and that's a very very valid thing - a need for adequate moderation tools.