I get it, there are reasons, but the point stands that I(and apparently others) preferably would have nothing to do with a Google product, how is that an unreasonable opinon?

I'm currently stuck on a phone that I can't even root (afaik), but I am also not eager to buy a new one while this one works perfectly (and isn't ginormous like most newer phones). I might be more willing to swich to a new non-G phone but how it is now I try to sandbox as much shit as i can (or know of) or use alternatives where possible.

It also feels like an incredibly complicated topic on what you could and should do. And I consider myself at least somewhat tech literate. It feels frustrating and some of the elitism around it doesnt help.