I would actually prefer local backups. I can always upload them to the cloud myself, and then I pay :-)
> P.S. "New" groups in Signal support up to 1,000 users, did you need something bigger?
OK, this might come off as moving the goal posts, so let me say why it is not intended to[1]: Signal is very usable for what it is intended for. 1000 is enough for my family in law and even my family.
I'm fairly certain I read at least one other messenger has a limit of 200 000 members in one group, moderation tools, channels with channel publishers, subscribers and comments.
And my point is not that it is better than Signal but that they are different!
If I need to send pass codes or something I can use Signal. If I need to receive broadcasts from one of the channels I follow I can use Telegram etc.
I have 32GB (or even 64GB?) of storage on my phone so I never had to choose :-)
[1]: That is, it is not moving my goal posts. My hope was never that Signal should replace everything else.