Being able to stream my shows on an unstable or lower bandwidth internet connection like on a train (which is where I really enjoy watching it) is impossible if I am streaming the raw files. I usually watch 480p or 720p on the go but enjoy the 1080p quality when watching from home.
Also, downloading a 1080p file takes significantly longer and takes up much more space than a 480p or 720p. My phone has no memory card and despite having 128GB internal storage, it is scarce. For a while, in the morning I was downloading my episodes before heading out, but really needed to luck out to get the episodes before I needed to catch the train (as the native jellyfin client does not allow downloading the transcoded files). You could argue I should adapt my habits to my means but I frankly really think it should be the other way around, and transcoding solves that for me.
It’s impressive how this initiative has gathered 360k votes in no time yet completely stagnated ever since. I don’t think it means that the initiative is done, actually I am quite optimistic it can pass, but these things go in waves. I think every time there is a new coverage on the initiative it launches it higher, we just need some folks who have some local presence in the EU to get their audience to act. Perhaps some famous video game streamers? Has that been done already?