I didn't buy a pixel because I wanted a pixel, I bought a pixel because I wanted GrapheneOS
I run graphene and I could care less about the pixel's stock features. I own a pixel solely because it supports GrapheneOS. If the only GrapheneOS-supported device were a BlackBerry, then i'd be rockin a BlackBerry.
Maybe it works in my favor that I've never had an android before (iPhone since 2008) and I don't know what I'm missing. The experience has been very positive, having no other point of reference. 🤷♂️