In you use case I would look at Jellyfin. One of Plex's main features is sharing across the web
I can't see why not, if you know how to set it up. I am sure there are existing docker containers to help you out. But I am a Plex guy, not a Jellyfin expert.
Jellyfin runs great via VPN
Don't believe so, you have to create a plex account and authenticate to use the platform.
You can absolutely configure it to allow exceptions for LAN so that you don't need to authenticate to their servers over the web.
Oh, fair enough! Never tried this.
In you use case I would look at Jellyfin. One of Plex's main features is sharing across the web
I can't see why not, if you know how to set it up. I am sure there are existing docker containers to help you out. But I am a Plex guy, not a Jellyfin expert.
Jellyfin runs great via VPN
Don't believe so, you have to create a plex account and authenticate to use the platform.
You can absolutely configure it to allow exceptions for LAN so that you don't need to authenticate to their servers over the web.
Oh, fair enough! Never tried this.