Self-hosting a Matrix server for 5 years

Experiences with the Matrix protocol, Matrix Synapse server, bridges, and Element mobile app. There are some you-just-have-to-know-this issues.

TL;DR:

• Matrix Synapse: works fine, but requires constant manual maintenance.
• Bridges: work pretty well.
• Element: generally OK, some issues with timely notifications, no feature parity between Element Classic and Element X, terrible on-boarding (with current setup)