Agree. I’ve been tempted to switch over to something like graphene OS but… I know I’m just going to get even more frustrated.
Discussion
I just use a Google Pixel with stock Android and never sign in to a Google account. Installing open source apps from F-Droid is easy, and you can even use Aurora Store to get most Play Store apps. Yeah there may be some background telemetry going on but for most intents and purposes it's harmless if you are not signed in and thus explicitly identified to Google.