Sure, Dokku is still valuable without it. I've seen a ton of recommendations over the years to "just use Dokku" when people ask about simple hosting setups for their side hustle or whatever though. In that context, Dokku isn't really a viable option unless backups are in place - ideally OOTB. Without having backups OOTB, the idea of Dokku being a really easy way to get going is a little bit diluted, don't you think?

I sort of see it the same way as "just install Linux Mint, it's great, you'll love it", but when something doesn't work, it's "oh yeah, just open the terminal and ________": opening the terminal is the _last_ thing people want to do if they just wanna read their email or whatever.