To MQTT or to not to? That is the question

Hello all, first time on this discord. I am also new to Meshtastic so I want to appoligize up front. My issue seems to stem from confusion in regards to MQTT. I have been working on a few devices (T-Deck, Heltec V3, Station G-3) and all seems OK between most of it. Today I got the T-Deck online and have had problems configuring it. I think its confusion in regards to how to use (or not) MQTT. I use the iPhone app and I see this in 2 areas- Under LoRa Config/Advance - Ignore MQTT (currently not checked) and under Module Configuration/MQTT - which is currently enabled.

My aim is to connect to other users nearby, but so far no love, I think its my settings as it all seems to be working other than not showing up on the map or seeing other nodes.

Suggestions and even criticism is welcomed.

Cheers