[haffenloher]

> You can compile Signal yourself, and install it on a rooted phone [...] OWS doesn't then allow you to use their servers for routing/discovery etc

? That's a misunderstanding. You can of course use the official servers with your self-compiled version. (side note: I also don't think your phone needs to be rooted for this)

[e12e]

Ok, that makes sense. It's only compiled binaries distributed through third party app stores that cannot (should not) use the official servers?

[haffenloher]

Yeah, they prefer if you don't distribute your builds (i.e. something named Signal and / or using their servers) to other people (because they don't actually know what's inside the builds, they've got no update channel, etc.)