I personally prefer the File Browser app and Samba SMB file share, which are currently broken for me in this latest update. Have you had any issues with them of the new Files feature?
I decided to use synthing, it is a bit harder to setup but works very well and you do not need to worry to run it as I do with freefilesync. I can then check the files thru the files app
I use Files to manage the files of my applications directly from my PC. I’m referring to those used by Jellyfin, Audiobookshelf, Downtify, and MeTube.
I share the folders on the local network and move files between them (Download with Downtify or MeTube and move it to Jellyfin or Audiobookshelf).
If I’m away from home, I access them directly through umbrel.local (via Chromium, which is linked to my domain and secured with a password and 2FA).
I still manage non-media files with Nextcloud.
I’ve noticed that when I share a Nextcloud folder over the local network, I can access the existing files, but if I try to upload a new one from Files or my PC, it doesn’t show up in Nextcloud.
Overall, I find Files very useful for managing media application files that I don’t want to manage or store with Nextcloud.