In my experience (self hosting mail since 2005) signing up for SNDS does factor in. Although last time I had trouble with delivery to MS, my hosting provider Linode’s support also helped out by contacting MS back channels on my behalf. The biggest problem I (rarely) have is when whole IP blocks end up on a ban list that MS seems to really trust. That said, fuck it, I will keep fighting the fight and self host my mail like a stubborn old git :p
You’re absolutely right about the perception. You make a good point. I’m not sure OP got that you’re not trying to talk them out of self hosting, but rather bring up the importance of reliability regardless of their setup. Thanks!