'mix ecto.create' errors with: role "postgres" does not exist

Not sure. I installed PG through homebrew as well and I seem to remember it having the postgres user and a fresh Phoenix app working right away. But then again, that was a while ago, can’t swear the details on my life.

As for the Ecto default, you’re not wrong but then again they apply for local-only config so I see no harm done.