>as far as dendrite goes, we’re talking about using Tor & a degoogled phone without google push notifications.
I have been doing that for years now, kiddo. CalyxOS user of 2 years, here---before that I have used GrapheneOS. Both without microG or any other google play compatibility layers.
I use Element Android with Orbot proxy. It is pretty usable. I get notifications, a-Okay. Nothing to fearmonger about there.
If xmpp is really better than matrix, then you shouldn't be needing these "half-truth" videos to spread its use.
Anyways. Do what you gotta do.