What happened to it "just works"?

Do you have a VPN, Antivirus, or other network blocking process running on your Mac. That can cause AirPlay connections issues, and typically remains until that developer updates their software for compatibility with the security fixes in OS updates.

If your device has network connectivity issues, check for VPN and other third-party security software - Apple Support

If you are unsure about having these third party processes or deleted the app without using their uninstaller, you may have these running in the background without you knowing it. The best way to determine what Extensions and Launch Processes you have running on the computer is to post the free EtreCheck report. It contains no personal information.

How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

sohrobby wrote:

I do not use a VPN or antivirus software. Sorry I forgot to answer that question previously.

If you have already done the HomePod reset:

Reset HomePod or HomePod mini - Apple Support

And not using a Mesh Router to rule that out as a possible cause, than I would proceed with the EtreCheck report for any other process on your Mac that would be responsible for port blocking.

if your wifi router keeps wired ethernet / 2.4Ghz wifi and 5Ghz wifi as seperate unbridged networks then devices connected to different ones will not be able to communicate so if your mac or homepod for whatever reason have decided to connect to separate networks, then they can't communicate.

you can let apple know about your dissapointments using their feedback channels

Product Feedback - Apple

how one goes about bridging wifi networks differs from wifi router to wifi router a google for

<Insert router brand and modem> bridge networks

would likely provide some guides

sohrobby wrote:

I expect things to work when I'm paying a premium price for them and the maker controls both the hardware and software stack.

We all expect things to just work no matter what price we pay for them. Despite that I still have had mechanical failures on my premium BMW and also software issues where they have provided an update on the infotainment system along with glitches in the Connected Drive app.

If there was a systemic issue with your Mac mini and HomePod connection, then the HomePod forum would be flooded with those same posts. You haven't followed up on whether you are using a VPN, but that is absolutely one case where that third party software will interfere with the connections along with other third party processes that are running on your computer.

The router is the other common denominator, either through the use of the 2.4Ghz frequency or a mesh router where some have been hit/miss on compatibility and frequently require firmware updates.

First force quit the app you’re using on your Mac and restart the HomePod and that usually gets it back up and running. You might also want to reboot the Wi-Fi and you can even restart your Mac if none of this works.

Steve Jobs did use that phrase in a 2011 keynote, but it was never an official slogan. “Think Different” was in use at that time.

Anyway, software and hardware have become increasingly complex, and it isn't going to slow down. To expect everything to work perfectly 100% of the time is highly unrealistic.

Look at how long automobiles have been around. Far longer than computers, and they are anything but trouble free.

I'm sort of with you especially when Apple stuff just doesn't work and there's no native way to get it going again because the assumption was that it would never go wrong. But realistically there are too many variables to expect that sort of performance. Apple doesn't really control the HW and SW cos once a Mac is in the user's hands they have many ways to mess with it. Given the massive variety of uses, users, interfaces, protocols and configurations plus users' ability to tinker almost with the metal through apps, Terminal, scripts and so on the only way that Apple could guarantee it all just working would be to lock it down until the Mac was little more than an iPhone with a keyboard. No Terminal, Scripting limited to a much-reduced command set (like iOS), Apps only installable through the Apple store, any browser you want as long as it uses the Safari webkit, ..., etc.

iPhones and iPads are much more stable platforms, largely because the user can't do much with them other than press the buttons that they come with in the apps that come from the app store. A new iPad with the Magic Keyboard should be an ideal machine for my general usage in terms of power, capability, portability and price but I'd never consider ditching a Mac for such a config. because of the limitations of apps, browsers and ability to tinker.

Edit - I just read that back. I'm not accusing you of tinkering with your kit and causing your problem. Sorry if it comes across that way.