Double-checked - no e-mails prior 18th of August from "Google Play Console". Also, double-checked "Google Play Console" (even under "Archived messages") - first message about deprecation I see is from 17th of August (a day before e-mail). Even if there were something a year ago, then 3 month, 1 month followup would make sense instead of 2-3 week reminder.

Maybe it's possible that different roles in "Google Play Console" will receive different type of messages at different time? I'm not an admin for that app and it's possible that someone else has gotten prior warnings, but might have ignored these, because usually they are not with technical background.

Yes and no. These notices started last year, but back then targeted lower API levels, which is why OP might not have seen them until now.

But it's true that the first notice was sent months before the time limit, so he might have missed previous warnings.

He clearly states in other comments that he wasn't involved a year ago.

But nice of you to assume he's lying. /s