Matrix isn’t a worse option, just a different one. In fact I’d argue that it’s a better option due to it being FOSS. Matrix is better compared to ActivityPub, the protocol for mastodon, lemmy, pixelfed, friendica, etc. Matrix is a protocol that allows for servers to federate with each other and bridge between other communications/social media services. A bridge could theoretically exist (it probably does) between a matrix server and lemmy.