Whoa, calm down there, friend. I think you're misreading a lot of the competitiveness as something else. People are having a lot of fun with GSF, which is cool to see. I think that's what you're seeing, just people having fun and enjoying the game mode and its inherent competitiveness. I feel as though there is plenty of community on this forum so far. There have been rather civil discussions about the advantages and disadvantages of ship types, what could use a nerf or a buff, and even people posting tips like OP has. Sure, the civil discussion is occasionally interrupted by angry or disappointed ranting, but that happens.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that it does feel like there's a vibrant community so far. To me, anyways.