I found a small semi vanilla SMP that is in testing right now.
The plan is to fully start in about a week so it feels like an early join kind of server.
It is meant to stay close to normal survival and keep things simple with a small group vibe.
Semi Vanilla SMP Starting Soon

GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPRosebloom SMP Crossplay Season 3 Nether Start

Rosebloom SMP is a friendly seasonal survival server with Java and Bedrock crossplay so more people can play together. It feels very community first and the staff team tries to keep it welcoming and respectful.
Season 3 starts March 6th and the big twist is everyone begins in the Nether. The server wants players to work together to unlock and reach the Overworld and then start exploring the main world as a group.
There are custom biomes plus custom food and crops and some quality of life plugins. It also has a rewards system and seasons that are not super long. They run server wide events with in game prizes and some rewards can be valuable items.
If you like building exploring mining farming redstone or just chilling with other players this server is made for that. There are still rules and limitations so it stays fun for everyone.
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPFresh Vanilla Java SMP Recruiting Players

I found a super new Java SMP that is basically vanilla and only a few days old.
It has no major mods or plugins so it feels simple and normal survival.
Voice chat is encouraged but it is not required. There are around 15 people in the Discord and you can get whitelisted by dropping your ign after you join.
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP
