So I've got Android as I want. LineageOS, no Google, Magisk, MicroG but with AndroidAuto with OsmAnd+.
But the outside world of WhatsApp, Bank apps, etc is putting pressure to join. Plus not everything works properly with MicroG instead of the Google service provider. Makes me cross techno-politically, but I can't always hard life tech choices when it effects others.
So, what do others do? At the moment, I've thinking I need a non-free phone and a free-phone! Then what, I keep swapping SIM?? I can't see a workable VM solution to run a non-free Android in a freer Android.
The state of the phone market is pitiful.
Install shelter and have a isolated work profile for my intrusive apps
But im still stubborn with not using whatsapp and my banking apps have passed safetybet luckily.
You could also look at setting up a matrix server whatsapp bridge… but maybe thats a selfhosting server thing and not android per se
Update to this: I did try that on my LineageOS and it still wouldn’t run. I’m getting a Pixel for GraphineOS. See how that goes.