Can’t vs won’t. I have no doubt that they could do it, but apple didn’t get to be one of the most powerful companies in the world by doing the thing that is cheaper for the user.

Time to start sailing the high seas!

Do you have any old hardware that doesn’t have a job? That is a great place to start. Take some time try out different solutions (proxmox, unraid, casa OS). Then as you nail down your needs you can better pick hardware.

I would keep with what you have. If you don’t have a compelling reason to get something new it’s not really worth it. That is how I try to look at it. Helps me save money and the planet