Proton will so smtp if you're on one of the paying plans. You can get your own domain setup to use with it. This is what I do. I just had to contact them to get it setup, they ask a few questions about usage, which I just said was self hosting stuff and sending occasional emails.
There are a lot of devices (esp32, phones, serial devices, etc ) that can have software installed (flashed) over this protocol. Before this our only choice was a chromium based browser.
For my use case, I can't get it to autoplay the next podcast. I would need to setup a playlist or something. The Web version does this just fine, just not the app. I've been playing with Absorb and that seems to do this, though in Android Auto mode it breaks occasionally. Can't speak for this app. Maybe I'll try it and see.
Could something like a potato cut in half work? It's hard to tell how deep the broken pieces are in there. It would grip on the broken parts and then hopefully when you turn it then it moves. Maybe after a soak in vinegar as another suggested.
What do you make? I'm always in the lookout for these types of meals.