I didn't even realize this tool existed. I tried something like it awhile back, but it didn't work to my satisfaction (I don't remember why), so my awful, awful, awful workflow is to use the Google Takeout functionality to generate something like 8 .tar.gz files (50 gigabytes each), manually download each one (being prompted for authentication each time), and then rsyncing them over to my local server, and finally uncompressing them.
It's very lovely how much Google doesn't want you to exfiltrate your own data.
I wonder at which point I'll get annoyed enough to go through the effort of setting up immich. Which, naturally, will probably involve me re-working my local server as well. The yak's hair grows faster than I can shave it.
LLM + Nix (ideally NixOS) changed everything imo.
After reading TFA last night, it was less work to tell Claude Code to get Immich running on my home server (NixOS), add the service to Tailscale, and then give me a todo list reminder of what I needed to do to mirror my Macbook iCloud/Photo.app gallery to it and then see it on my iPhone...
...than any of the times I've had to work around "black box says no", much like your example.
Just a couple years ago, this wasn't the case. I didn't have the energy to ssh into my server and remember how things are set up and then read a bunch of docs and risk having to go into a manual debug loop any time a service breaks. LLM does all that. I never even read Nix docs. LLM does that too.
In fact, it was fairly fun to finally get a good cross-platform setup working in general to divest from Apple thanks to LLM + Nix. I really like where things are going in this regard. I don't need any of this crap anymore that I used to use because it was the only way to get something that Just Worked.
By the time I lose my software job and have to compete with you lot, H1Bs, and teenagers to fold sweaters at Hollister, I won't need to use a single bit of proprietary software. It will be a huge consolation.
I'd still want to go through any changes with a fine tooth comb to look for security issues and to make sure I know what it is adding and removing, but it's saner than letting an LLM run amok on a live system.