EcoFlow STREAM Ultra X / AC Pro vs Anker SOLIX – real-world performance and best setup?

I’m looking at the EcoFlow STREAM system with a 2kWh battery and 4 × 500W solar panels for £2,199, compared with the Anker SOLIX system at a similar capacity and price.
I’m interested in hearing from people who have real-world experience with the STREAM system, particularly in the UK.
A few questions:
How well does the system perform during winter and on cloudy days?
Can you mix different solar panel orientations, such as south-facing and east-south-east-facing panels, without significantly affecting performance?
Is it better to connect panels directly to the STREAM battery or use a STREAM Microinverter?
Can the system integrate effectively with a Shelly smart meter to monitor whole-house consumption and coordinate with an existing solar/battery installation?
How reliable is the system, particularly the app, smart meter integration and automated charging/discharging?
For someone using around 5–7kWh of electricity per day, is the 2kWh battery worthwhile, or would you recommend a larger capacity?
I’d particularly appreciate feedback from UK owners who have had the system running for several months, rather than just initial impressions.
Would you choose EcoFlow over Anker at the same price, and why?