yes, and yes

this would be the best way. having then separate is a fundamental thing of the federation. being able to visually put them together should be on the user level.

there should be a clear notice for which comm your new posts default to. likely the instance you’re actually on, but it’s possible that you don’t even want to join the comm for your own instance

are you actually using 2 instances?

you soon of a removed, I’m in