Bella, I very much agree with your analysis of the two platforms. They do have different emphases and I consider them both worthwhile.

However, as someone who writes, (and reads), for pleasure and sense of connection, rather than for income, (despite my having little and welcoming anything I receive), I find Medium friendlier.

I do enjoy much on Substack of the more serious articles, if such is an appropriate way to describe them. I tend to be a serious person and interested in often difficult and serious topics, not only in order to keep informed but as importantly, to learn more.

For me, (not necessarily for others), that is the main difference between the two platforms. I am sure that reimbursement for effort also counts but it is less important to me than that sense of community and connection that I find on Medium

I'd best summarise the difference for me, perhaps, as being that Medium is where I feel most comfortable writing and expressing my own views, a place where I am more relaxed. Substack gives me a generally more challenging, even slightly worrying experience but one that is rich in more serious topics and discourse.

As very much a tyro in virtually any area, feeling comfortable encourages me, feeling challenged motivates and teaches me.

Take care. Stays safe. ☮️