Edge nextcloud? Distributed setup?

No, syncing multiple Nextcloud servers in this manner is not possible. Certainly would love to use this functionality myself! Might be one day possible through Federated Circles + mirror federated server

In this case you would want to run Nextcloud itself from a well-powered, resiliant location you can would remotely connect to from whatever device. As you note, it is not meant for your use case as it is designed to be on 24/7.

fwiw, nothing stops you from using multiple Nextclouds. Just keep in mind no network = no nextcloud

This is the way. It has been recommended by Nextcloud staff as well. Many past guides on how to set up syncthing as www-data. Solves issues with lack of connectivity as well as managing massive data sets / full system backups. how to syncthing nextcloud at DuckDuckGo