Are there really any significant acquisitions happening just for some database? I don't think this happens unless the data is absolutely massive and very unique.
My biggest problem with Mozilla is that I pay them a monthly donation and it is real hard to cancel it. They had no problem accepting it. It's just a bit too nasty.
I'd add that there are now so many bootcamp candidates that want a J-O-B and have a passing interest in computers that just filtering them out gets old. The only realistic option for a small team is to reject bootcamp candidates from the get go. You will of course have a few exceptions, but good luck finding them.
A comp sci degree really is a much better filter for junior devs.
Your rabbitmq connection churn should be at zero pretty much all the time. If you're seeing connection churn increase with volume you need to fix your client code.