-Self hosting email is hell of a challange for individuals. What would vps hosting make difference?
-Are VPSs safe? Privacy oriented? If a goverment siezes physical server hardware would we have a chance?
-I've been emailing with people for more than 25 years and I have never seen a person who uses pgp encryption. This doesn't mean Gmail is safe and private.
-Everyone used Gmail. I had my doubts and I've switched to Tuta. You will also find inconsistencies in Tuta or Tuta like email services. If Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz raids Tuta data center, will they hide the servers or bury them? No, they will just handover the stuff.
-Mullvad's situation has no excuses. They are a "privacy" company and they should use their own maling solution against possible unlawful interference. Are they evil? I don't know.
-Most important thing: Do you have an alternative proposition? If yes, please enlighten us.
-We need a fully encrypted, nostr (or sthg similar) based, decentralised, email alternative. (Simplex??)