> When Facebook was first launched, there wasn't any widespread understanding of the breadth/intensity of their data collection

Come on, you're trying to tell me that people didn't understand that when they give someone a thing, that someone has the thing they gave them?

> provided genuine value

Yes, the convenience.

> how much personal data was being collected from them

"They collected it; I didn't give it to them."

> but feel like there's no longer a viable alternative that would allow them to maintain the same level of communication with the people they care about.

Yes, "the pesky convenience is forcing me."

> Facebook users are not "choosing convenience" by staying on the only platform that all of their friends and family use exclusively.

"My friends and family are forcing me."

Despite my comments, I'm not totally against the use of Facebook, but I am against the surrender of personal agency and blame-shifting these comments are demonstrating.