Flickr has become the World Photo Archive by now. It has gone through a few hands and is pretty stable since the McAskill family bought it in 2018.

• pro: there is no “more relevant photo archive” because of the sheer numbers and variety. You may say: “yeah, but most of that is family and holiday shots taken on phone-cameras” and you’re right. But that’s what documenting life really is about. Nothing else is as complete. And the number of EXCELLENT photographers showing and archiving their shots on Flickr is incredible, too
• con: you only reach people who are somewhat into photography. Flickr isn’t IG, no random passer-by will stumble over a shot of yours and you can’t really advertise your portfolio. Most Flickr members really are there for their own work before looking at yours. That only changes when you are interested enough in photography to spend time on other photographer’s pictures, in searching through groups and galleries.

I have a pro account and so far about 110 million hits on my work (around 70’000 per day in average 2023) - it’s a clear indication that there are A LOT of people on Flickr and interested in photography

https://www.flickr.com/photos/stefanschmitz/

Stay with aluminium. The entire acrylic thingy is for the looks but static charges are a bitch with those cool lookig platters.