I think you can only simplify things so much without making the entire thing pointless. As others have already said, install GrapheneOS yourself — it's almost as easy as making an online purchase. And remember the phone is inherently a tracking device no matter what — especially if the cellular/radio stack is active.

I don't think there's any more shortcuts that can be taken if security and protection from surveillance are actually important.

Agreed!

My struggle is to not get bitter/angry at these situations. I have to keep reminding myself that there are about a billion other ways in which I am ignorant of things that are equally important. And that just a few years ago, I too, was completely on the big tech bandwagon (but only reluctantly so).

Your pain is so very relatable, pal 😢

Very insightful! Thank you for this comment @msage@programming.dev

CCI has always been a lethargic and toothless body.

Given the foreign policy implications of this move in the Trump era, and the potential for economic fallout domestically, I am speculating that Apple will be allowed to prevail in this matter in the end.