Imgur now blocks several VPNs and have issues loading embedded previews in several fediverse platforms. So instead of using imgur, you could use one of the following alternatives for uploading your images.
https://postimages.org/
https://imgbox.com/
https://imgbb.com/
https://www.imagebam.com/
Uploading directly uses server resources which are voluntarily provided, that’s why using external providers and just posting links instead is usually better.
It’s true, but there’s some pretty reasonably priced S3 compatible containers now. To the extent I’d only start getting concerned at the 1TB mark.
Of course I also am not going to complain if people use hosting sites and prolong how long it takes to get to 1tb :p