Just unboxed my new p8p...

I've never been SO unenthusiastic about a new $800 toy. (it may be that $800 that is the real issue )
I am only upgrading because my p6p has a cracked screen and the device isn't very responsive.

Before fully committing to this device (which means - flashing GOS on it) - I've had to ask myself the following...

Should I just leave it as stock android? I know that I'll get more 'smart' features if I do. It is also less work to use it out of the box.
Perhaps it is time to move to an iPhone... I am convinced that iPhones are probably a better device in general?
Should I go to a less expensive non-Pixel device?
Should I just limp through my cracked screen?

Answers:

I had to power up the device to perform an OEM unlock. This is the first time I've seen an OOTB pixel for quite a while.
--- I was SHOCKED to see how many apps google puts on your phone - and at best all you can do is disable them... YUK!
--- There is a big part of me that just can't live with sending everything I do to Google, it would make me crazy.
Well - my last answer applies - even moreso - to Apple... but on the Apple I can do diddle and squat about it.
--- I 'respect' the apple ecosystem and hardware... BUT - not being able to even basic customizations - I would really struggle with that...
----- I just hate being forced to do things I don't want to do. With Apple they don't even hide their intent.
If my answer to question one is valid - then the only devices I have to choose from are Pixels - as they are the only devices I can run GOS on. (not good or bad - just a fact)
Much like so many things - everytime I look at my screen I cringe... if I thought it would last until the next refresh cycle (a full year) I'd probably wait.. I just don't see that happening.
--- The main reason I bought the P8P now - was I got $400 off in the google fi store... with my trade-in of my P6P my net cost is about $640.00 but I don't see the 8p coming down to that level in the next 6 months...