fwiw, i also see the benefit for comments. i want to make a “news-like” site (think small, single-topic news) that is fediverse-connected. however, i would want the reader/community to have opportunity to comment on articles. otherwise, i would be installing writefreely at this moment. as such, i am looking elsewhere. (most fediverse software seems too noisy and non-article-like. blech.)
i totally feel for you as the main/only developer. (i have similar projects!) but still wanted to put in my (sympathetic) vote for comments. 