I'm not disagreeing with you about the instant runoffs for competitive elections. Then the more moderate could get squeezed out. The relationship with RCV for

I'm not disagreeing with you about the instant runoffs for competitive elections. Then the more moderate could get squeezed out. The relationship with RCV for non-competitive races (e.g., those districts that are gerrymandered or naturally not competitive which is the majority in the USA) is the RCV can easily address the extremes versus moderates. Moderate candidates don't run because they won't get support from their party and are perceived to be stealing votes. E.g., If you're not voting for $EXTREMIST you're voting for the $THEM. RCV lets you vote for the moderate AND your party's extremist in order to thwart the other side.