You wouldn't lose your funds?
I guess so, but keeping funds at low liquidity pools can also lead to that - as far as I understand.

ith gas out of control right now I'm sidelined on my plan to contribute to the LP, and I'm guessing I'm not the only one (sheer unfortunate timing of project start)

I think the same.

so why in the world is anyone willing to pay all those fees just to exit the pool?
they need funds elsewhere or found a way to earn despite the gas fee.

I'm currently keeping my funds, but I don't know for how long. Will continue with this project few days more and will see what happens after launching wLeo pools