I would rather install an app, to see what permissions it needs, before assuming it needs anything. If an app does nothing without me logging in or giving them my contacts, then it probably does nothing.

There are many good reasons to be a late adopter, safety is one. I don't think they should optimize their landing page for late adopters.

Judging from the site I thought Plague would be a new take on Reddit. Where Reddit asks if you like or dislike a Meme (we need a new word). Plague asks if you want to slow down or speed up its spread. This difference should mean different content is surfaced.