It sounds weird, but think about it: The only way to reverse-engineer a Google device is with an OS designed FROM Google's standard framework, but with hardened features built in.
PS - Using Lineage is like saying you have secured your house from rain, but your roof is 1/4 full of holes. It's definitely a step toward de-Googling, but it's not any where near secure or private as Graphene OS
Well, I can't say I'm convinced, but I did buy a pixel and and am personalizing my graphene install. Lots of really cool features, and a really seemless install; though, I really hate google and this google phone makes me feel really dirty.
When it's time to upgrade, use ebay or Swappa and get a secondhand phone from a reputable seller (the best ones only deal in phones) so you don't have to give your money to Google. That's probably what made you feel bad.
