I noticed that the time is correct for several hours and then it goes back to epoch time. There is no printout for getting the time update so i cannot tell if it is trying and cannot connect. Big Problem.
I ran the example for Minimal NTP Time Demo with DST correction and it not only displays the initial time, it displays when the next update is due.. Diagnostics can be very helpful especially with 500 different users.
I also had some initial problems with the touch screen and you solved it by running the spiffs format/ IOnce that ran, I noticed that when I tapped the top (Time Area) that I go the background data screens. When I tapped near the bottom, I go the time format change. So i had to go into the .ino around line 200 and modify: from <80 to >80 and it seemed to work OK..... if (p.y > 80). Minor problem.
I hear your pain with the touch screen, but this is the first time I have been able to try the touch screen and I appreciate your leadership into this area.