I would just like them to leave it out to be honest. Then I could mix in my own questionable amounts of whatever sweetener I choose.

Unfortunately, surcralose is the best sweetner for this purpose. Can you explain what would be better? It can't be processed by the human gut, its has no risk of toxicity in any reasonable dose, and very little of it is required for sweetness.

How about sugar of lead? It's 100x as sweet as sugar. It was popular with the Romans, who made it from storing wine in lead. It's cheap too.