Its not even the easiest to setup the default configuration stack most people use with Plex or jellyfin. I mean if you're techy its not hard, but it definitely takes time to set up. I see why people use Plex as the media player, it is stupid easy for everyone else to use. Its like a Facebook invite for media.

I don’t mean that as a “I can do it so obviously everyone else can” I mean it more as a “what purpose does plex even serve in this regard?”

Like what do you mean plex provides bandwidth? It’s hosted locally, no? From your network and your server? They provide software but surely plex as a company doesn’t host your media?