I have just had an epiphany because of this thread (so thank you to everyone who has contributed thus far). I think another major reason I struggle to enjoy the story right now is because for the last few years of content (and the droughts in between), all of the characters who used to be friends have been at each others throats or hating each other for such a long time in real life.

Back when the alpha kids had their fall out, the resolution didn't take nearly as long (they god tiered and reconciled to some extent). I think the resentment characters feel towards one another has been lingering so long IRL that I must have just been passively depressed about that aspect too.

I know it's not realistic to expect people to be friends forever, but Homestuck isn't exactly sticking to realistic parameters of interpersonal issues when it comes to why some characters resent one another now. The comic has felt like it's been on a negativity arc for a very long time; there's not really been a moment of catharsis that I can pinpoint WRT to any of the negativity that was brought on by the epilogues, and that was almost 10 years ago now.

Terezi is sad. Rose is sad and hiding it bad. Kanaya is sad. Dave is sad. Dirk is definitely sad. C!John is depressed. Everyone in Candy is depressed actually. I don't think we've ever spent this much time with characters stuck in such a low emotional state.

Thank you all for helping me realize this.