can any layman user simply use it without running their own instance?

Yes, you will need to know someone running an instance to create an account for you.

grim_io 10 hours ago | parent | next [-]

So... no? :)

	▲	NoboruWataya 9 hours ago \| parent \| next [-]
		Presumably if the protocol becomes popular you will have public instances that anyone* can sign up to, the same way other federated services work now. (It's approximately as hard for a layman user to sign up to a Mastodon instance as it is to sign up for X. The fact that most layman users don't do that is a separate issue.)
	▲	jagged-chisel 9 hours ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		Yes, you can try it without running your own instance. You will need to use someone else's instance.

If you (top and child commentator) want to try without running your own, please send me an email: david dot collantes at gmail dot com.