What your experience has been like running the Lightning Network. What have been the highlights and challenges?

Here I explained in more details:

• https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/umbrel-bitcoin-ln-node
• https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/lightning-routing-fees-experiment
• https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/managing-lightning-node-liquidity

What are the key learnings from managing the Lightning Network?

Here another ones:

• https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/recommendations-for-ln-users
• https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/lightning-node-maintenance

Can you share some best practices, tips or recommendations for those considering setting up or running a Lightning Network node?

• https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/managing-lightning-node-liquidity
• https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/private-lightning-nodes
• https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/bitcoin-private-banks-over-lightning
• https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/operating-with-ln-as-a-merchant
• https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/lightning-network-submarine-swaps

And many more on my substack, over 70 guides about Bitcoin and LN nodes.
Your life as a node operator will be much better if you start reading them.
Important is the journey of learning not the destination.

Read also:

• https://voltage.cloud/blog/
• https://bitcoin.design/guide/