Yes, docker is a dependency. I went with docker because it's way easier and user friendlier to use than installing everything bare metal.
Don't get me wrong, I prefer to run everything in bare metal, but for this specific application, Docker seems like the better idea. For example, it's easier to add your own containers than to install something from scratch.
YAMS v2 fixes this issue! Now new containers go in their own docker-compose file, and there's some new instructions on how to do that here https://yams.media/advanced/add-your-own-containers/