So odd that the open source platform that allows sideloading and doesn’t even come with an app store by default is the one that is a monopoly but the locked down one with total control over your device is not.

Some Android flavors even come with other app stores. Samsung phones have their own Samsung app store that even includes Fortnite.

Not exactly. It’s a privacy respecting front end so your data isn’t being sent to Google

If you need Google search results but don’t want to use google try SearXng or Startpage