I have smart plugs from Innr, Samsung, Aqara (I think) and have never experienced the problem you're speaking of. Mine are all ZigBee -- not sure what yours are.
That said, I just got a bunch of Shelly EM Mini G4 and put them in some PowerPoints and they work great.
If you don't mind some basic wiring they're easy to set up.
I consider someone being hard to replace as a problem that may or may not be their fault. If they're actively hoarding knowledge and skills, it's better to bite the bullet.
Personally, I try to make myself unnecessary in my roles by empowering my people. If they can't operate without me being arbitrarily absent for a month, I've fucked up.
Legitimate question: are you ever going to watch those videos again, ever?
I don't go to concerts as often as I'd like, but when I do I'd far prefer to take in the moment myself vs. trying to capture it on my phone. I'm there for an experience; not a recording.
If that action makes your night better, so be it. I won't get in your way. I do, however, get annoyed when I'm trying to watch an act and some idiot's phone is held above their head, blocking my view.
Each to their own, but personally I don't "get" it.
Have you seen this ridiculous violation (amongst many others) of the Hatch act?
https://www.whitehouse.gov/mysafespace/