You might want to change the ffmpeg default settings (its documented in the readme, just set some envs) because by default it encode in AV1 with mkv container at 720p, but all that can be easily changed.
Yes, we need more internet like it was, no monetization, no ads, just sharing for the fun of it. That needs to restart back from us. A little tiny part maybe, but worthwhile.
Also, true there is more risk, but you should always balance it with advantages.
If your immich is properly protected behind a reverse proxy and encrypted with https, and containerized, preferably root-less container, and you properly back it up, go ahead and enjoy sharing.
Yeah, but if you put everything behind a well configured reverse proxy with proper SSL certs (let's encrypt) and maybe also a good SSO (not mandatory, but recomended) you will be fine.
All my photos are sorted into albums, i always browse them by album.
Don't care for "explorer like" but I need to see them as the albums they are part of, like all together in the same view, and be able to select which album/albums I want to look at
Yes, I would still do raid. Because a disk fail will not cause a blackout. Much better than have your server offline waiting to replace disk and restore backup.
And no way you can backup 18tb in 1tb, restic or no restic.
I mean, why on earth use a windows VM??? Use a very simple Linux one without any GUI just install sane+ScanservJS and you are in business. Zero overhead.
Wireguard or ssh tunnel with port forwards, both works.