i still don't get the idea of running a personal Electrum server when you have to run a full node right beside it. is it b/c of the enhanced functionality?
it depends on how you are setting up and using that "electrum server". for example if it is on the same computer then you are right, there is no point. but usually people run it on another computer or an actual "server" like Amazon VPS, it is online 24/7 that way and you just connect to that IP address. or maybe you have multiple wallets (on desktop at home, desktop at work, phone, laptop,...) and connect all of them to that one server you yourself run. that way you have control and functionality and can keep your privacy.