As for the nature the thread is going down, I don't feel that Baldur's Gate 3 has effectively positioned itself as being more tribute than sequel.
The returning and referenced characters really seem like they want the player to embrace BG3 as a sequel to not only BG1-2 but also the Descent into Avernus module. I also think the discussion of the game as canonical is warranted. Dungeons and Dragons is an odd franchise when it comes to discussing canonicity, but it is one that is swayed a lot by popularity in the vein of money spent. With BG3 getting so much acclaim and glowing sales numbers, there is little doubt in my mind that it will anchor itself as part of the broad strokes canon of the Forgotten Realms.
I can't really say this next part eloquently, but I think - more than anything else - it is important to read the Descent into Avernus module. It gives a lot of supporting details for the city of Baldur's Gate in particular but also establishes some characterizations that we see in BG3.
