I have a gab account and had a similar reaction when I used it last year-lots of awful comments that turned me off to it.
While not a free speech absolutist, I tend to agree with your premise that powerful people will attack it when it suits their needs.
From the lens of the mighty, "free speech" is neither good nor bad, but whatever is politically expedient to hold or gain power will determine their reaction.
RE: Attack on Gab Proves Speech Was Never Free