interesting. what about the side loading apps? I assume that's an OS and Graphene would likely allow it?
It's actually recommended to get least of your apps as possible via the play store and use 3rd party stores if you are going for maximum privacy or de-googling.
I can load apps from the web (disabled by default iirc), the local file system, a sandboxed instance of the Play store, Obtainium, f-droid, wherever.
Took some getting used to, but it’s nice feeling like I actually control and can choose how my phone works.
90% of apps work, no finagling required
Next 6% might need some fancy setups, like setting up storage scopes or other privacy settings so they can function as expected. I won't pretend they are always intuitive, but if you really can't figure it out, someone on the internet has already had the issue and posted their solution online
Another 3% are your banking and similar apps. Some work, but some are needy, and I have these in another profile which has the sandboxed Google play mirror and other Google services that GrapheneOS mocks
Then is your last 1% that are so stubborn that not only require Google play, but they have the audacity to require you be logged in to Google play or they won't start. Personally, I just refuse to use these apps when I get one, as they are random dumb ones, like some incredibly privacy invading videogame app. However I'm sure there will be some app you find that is like this. I guess you can log in, or heck make a third profile and hopefully don't need that app often. I guarantee there is a friendlier alternative that is worth looking into if you do feel you really need that service.