If you're specifically targeted by the state (especially extralegally), you're screwed. Personally, I just want to be in control of my data, and don't want others (government or otherwise) to be indexing or 2 clicks away from my data.
As you mention, hosting OwnCloud removes your cat/fire scenario. Even by hosting it at a US ISP, you are significantly reducing the likelihood that the government can index or be two clicks away from your data, and your host (unlike Google/Dropbox) isn't likely to be mining your data for future business models. Hosting it at an ISP in a country that respects individuals privacy (e.g. Iceland) means your data won't be in the government's hands unless you're directly targeted by a state actor.
A subset of the features is, for me, an advantage. Hosting my password database myself is a huge feature. My Mac's built in screen capture writes stuff to disk. I can set that to be the Owncloud folder. No third party app required! :)
As you mention, hosting OwnCloud removes your cat/fire scenario. Even by hosting it at a US ISP, you are significantly reducing the likelihood that the government can index or be two clicks away from your data, and your host (unlike Google/Dropbox) isn't likely to be mining your data for future business models. Hosting it at an ISP in a country that respects individuals privacy (e.g. Iceland) means your data won't be in the government's hands unless you're directly targeted by a state actor.
A subset of the features is, for me, an advantage. Hosting my password database myself is a huge feature. My Mac's built in screen capture writes stuff to disk. I can set that to be the Owncloud folder. No third party app required! :)