I run deluge torrent with openVPN with pivoxy in a container.
Arr stack and deluge uses proxy if the VPN drops off, all secure communication halts by default.
Arr stack has default download set to SSD, copies files to a rotational disk storage on completion. continues to host the seed from the SSD.
Once in a blue moon, I'll go back through Deluge and right-click Delete torrent and data for stuff that's well satisfied and who are really available.
Once a year or so, I'll go back and make sure that there's no extra stuff in the download folders.
You're fine without hard links as long as you have enough space and don't mind a little maintenance now and then.