I’ve been using it for many years with my four mailboxes and I am very happy with it!

I’ve been using Matrix/Element for around three years. I have there my family, a couple of friends and a couple of services that use it for alert, information. I host a non-federated server on a VPS in Germany. My approach has been simple: do you want to chat with me? Use Matrix. Otherwise, call me or send me emails.

If privacy is important for you, then make it a priority.

I read that and I do need vacation now. This reading stressed me too much.

Me too! I’be been using it for two years and it’s my chat application with my family and (some) friends. I’m happy with the stability and overall functionalities.