I believe a WebSocket connection will be superior to any multi-part HTTP design in the long term.

That doesn't mean NIP-96 is bad or can't be used right now.

I am a full supporter of getting them all (NIP-95, NIP-96, NIP-97) merged and letting the best design win.

We just must not keep the current state of image hosting services in Nostr. That will be a disaster in the long run.