We could add app-specific servers, which I think is a decent compromise and an obvious optimization, though would need funding.

Im sure this isnt a novel idea, and only started working on my own client just this week, but i have implented user configurable relay polling rates. Im opting to let the user choose the speed of the client with the explicit warning that the hotter you run it, the more power and bandwidth you will consume.

I should probably also mention that this client isnt currently intended to be an onboarding client for new users, but a highly configurable client for me.