Self-hosting is such a crapshoot. The installation/setup process is completely bespoke for each different app. Self-hosting apps could have a real impact on overpriced SaaS if installation could be made as simple as installing a mobile app.
For the majority of them, there's a docker container, often with example configs. It's not that far removed from installing a mobile app and then having a wizard ask you how you want stuff configured.
I only configure the startup in a YAML file and I am done. Works great.
What about debugging is difficult for you when docker containers are involved?
I’ve had enough success with using docker images (lots of projects provide them) that I don’t feel the pain acutely, but there certainly is some bespoke fiddling with every one. To me that’s part of the self-hosting experience, but I know plenty of people that don’t self host because of it, can’t blame them.
Some examples are
Cosmos (https://github.com/azukaar/Cosmos-Server)
Younohost (https://yunohost.org/)
Runtipi (https://github.com/runtipi/runtipi)
When I think of installing software, my mind goes to things like "apt-get install" and maybe opening /etc/xyz.conf in "vi". Who knew installing software needed so much support? Even docker seems so overboard for 90% of "single home lab machine" use cases.
Also, it always left behind orphaned packages, a good test was/is to install the whole of gnome, then the whole of plasma, and remove them both. Ideally, nothing should be left alone.
The only package manager capable of that is Nix (and those that use the same fundamental model). A second best option is to simply ship your whole work machine, a la docker.
But if you do want mobile phone app level of simplicity, there are options like Cosmos that handle everything for you and just give a pretty UI.
The biggest hurdle for me is being too lazy to setup proper DR/backups.