On the topic of generating traffic: I use a little app off of github called geddit. It essentially uses the RSS feed reddit has and skins it into an app. It's pretty bare on features since you can't log in, but you can have a personalized front page. And no ads as well. And nsfw posts/subs aren't blocked.

That's my compromise for accessing niche communities without giving reddit traffic.

Edit: It's an android app. Not really an option if you have an iPhone I guess

I end up on Reddit from Google search, and they limit the comment depth to 1 reply on the web, which makes it fucking awful to use.

It is the antithesis of what Reddit used to be and what gained Reddit market share.