I think you're making a lot of assumptions. Maybe there has been a turn over of editors and things are chaotic at the moment. I know that was the case when I was an editor for one of the larger publications on here.

Then too not everyone has the same work ethic. I did 10 hour days and could push out 100 a day while others were in and out in an hour and barely got 4 done if that.

Try Unpopular Opinion. MJ is good and the turn around is typically quick. That might be a good fit for you since you write "about controversial things'.