I’m a bit of a “control freak” when it comes to not losing any data. Seeing just daily backups always makes me feel like something can happen to a server and suddenly a full day of data, that can be extremely important, is gone.
Without being too technical, because I’m not an expert, wouldn’t a system where things that are posted/added, are replicated to another server, be possible? I believe this is how a social media platform works when we post content?
If this is not possible with Discourse, wouldn’t hourly backups be a bit safer? I don’t see an option for that. It seems to only go as low as 1 (daily) or 0 (disabled).
A good VPS on a good platform is highly unlikely to have any problems and especially not between upgrades.
In nearly 8 years of running one of my forums I’ve not had a single loss of data.
the daily batch is designed as a trade off for most self hosters.
it’s a simple-ish system, regime and doesn’t demand too much space and processing.
I cannot imagine it being worth to do more often for most people.
I have never needed to use a back-up for online crashes, only use them for migration to new servers, if when necessary (because I’ve outgrown the smaller one!)
YMMV
However, if you do think you need a more frequent set up … be ready to customize your setup and be prepared to maintain that customisation (which would involve learning how to do it and/or hiring someone to help you)