If you do not want the play store at all, once again try out calyxOS with microG.
The only app that I use that does not work with CalyxOS is MySudo. MySudo is on a separate device.
As well as all my PIxel devices I have a couple Samsung phones running OEM android. An S8 with a broken screen is running Android apps on a home PC using Scrcpy and gnirehtet. Not bragging just saying you can have more options. As far as big tech knowing that old S8, I dont care as far as they know my ex is still using it… Sorry if I sound like I am ranting we are blessed with options.
I use my Pixel XL and DivestOS to connect to the Android stereo which I only bring online for updates, which it will probably never get. The Pixel XL only connects to the internet through my more secure devices with VPN and DNS blocking.