“Sandstorm.org that… doesn’t get a lot of traction”
“To run Sandstorm, you need a 64-bit Linux server … If you don't already have somewhere to run Sandstorm, consider creating a 64-bit Debian virtual machine on your favorite cloud provider.”
I mean, there’s your problem.
Fundamentally, no one wants to self host. You need compute, plus a static IP and domain if you want access away from home (which people are used to with Google/Amazon Photos).
The only way to get the general public to self host is an appliance - plug a box into the router, install an app on your device (which configures wireguard/tailscale to the server) and that’s it. That is the maximum you can ask of non-enthusiasts. The moment we ask people to fwd ports or anything else… nah. Much less “first, install docker…”. This requires consumer-proof h/w, sold by a trustable business that does support, auto-updates and stuff.
S/w solutions are fine for the likes of us, but will never get wider traction.