Dan-cer Isn't it absurd to continue running the very apps on GrapheneOS that are the worst data octopuses?
It is not absurd at all. It's your personal choice to avoid these types of app.
Other people can't live without mainstream apps like social media, WhatsApp and other highly invasive apps. It makes more sense to use these invasive apps on GrapheneOS rather than any other OS due to both the security and privacy advantages.
Obviously you will benefit from security hardening no matter what apps you use, but you will benefit more from the privacy features of the OS when you use invasive apps rather than apps that respect your privacy. As much has been said by the official GrapheneOS team so they share the same view.