Of course I could use something entirely different, but that’s not the point isn’t it?

Can’t say I agree. Appreciated the overview

I guess that’s where the ListenBrainz/Last.fm part comes in (which is mentioned in the article).

I still get music recommendations via friends, concert/festival lineups and online forums, but that’s just for my “main” genres. For other stuff, Spotify is quasi the only solution for me as well.