I wouldn’t backup the volumes directly. Better to use the mount points as you suggest then back up those mounted directories. If it’s a database that usually needs to have its records exported into a backup friendly format. Typically I will do a db dump from a cron job in the host system to summon a script inside a container which writes to a mounted dir which is the thing that I back up.

Id just grow chilis and make hot sauce. Probably switch to arch and find an open source project to contribute to for scratching the tech itch.

I knew bad food was bad but this numbers are kind of jarring.

He should just trust market forces and let the wealth trickle down

Most countries have announced increased defense spending with support across the political spectrum and EU defense stocks are one of the few safe havens left during this tariff nonsense. France has offered a nuclear umbrella to its neighbours. Poland is up to 5% GDP on defence. Not sure what you mean by limited support but maybe I misunderstand.