I don't recommend storing much BTC in lightning.
The main reason for this is that lightning does not support hardware wallets yet, so essentially all lightning wallets are "hot wallets".

If we don't keep large amounts on lightning, I don't see the need for self custody although I do have that setup through Start9, I still prefer using Wallet of Satoshi for purchasing street food from non english speaking merchants in other countries.

Any amount of BTC that you would feel sorrow over losing should be held on chain in cold storage.

The rest is for fun and games and networking 😃 

I recommend trying all common lightning implementations available and see what you like the best and what makes the most sense for you.