It sounds like you don’t necessarily like the idea of using a container (I tend to use podman, but most guides are for docker, so that’d probably be easier for you). From my experience, containerising things actually makes things a lot easier, especially in the long run, and getting started is a lot easier than it seems. You can probably find a ready-made guide to set up a plex or jellyfin container on Debian.

Perform better is pretty relative. My Pi 4 running home assistant is super responsive, while also using little power and being completely silent, but it only runs a network of zigbee lights and sensors, controlled by zigbee switches.

I agree that more power is necessary for any local voice applications, but depending on the use case, the pi probably isn’t worse than the alternatives.

OwnCloud has been acquired by KiteWorks a few months ago. Doesn’t have to mean anything, but makes me feel cautious about it’s future.