How votes are counted shapes outcomes as much as who holds tokens. Simple one-token-one-vote dominates, but alternatives address plutocracy, apathy, and the cost of participation.
Quorum requirements prevent tiny participation from passing major changes, but set too high and governance stagnates. Early-stage protocols often run 3-of-5 or 5-of-9 multisigs before full token governance — faster decisions, trusted signers, less decentralization theater.
When evaluating any DAO, ask who can realistically pass a vote today — not who the whitepaper promises will control things eventually.