Ren the Ghost

I feel the same in a lot of ways. I LIKE fandom, and I find it important to me in a lot of ways. It's been a constant for me since high school (though with varying levels of engagement.) I write some fic and read fic when I have the time and energy.
But I've found much better experiences by seeking connections with fannish people, rather than people in a specific fandom. I have some long-term fandom friendships, but most of them have never shared the same fandom as me, or at least haven't in a very long time.

It makes sense that a popular fandom could hit a critical mass that turns it from "fun sandbox" to "overwhelming crowd."