bigdata I seem to be missing the plot but should we but attempting not to use Google Play store for privacy reasons?
That's for you to decide. GrapheneOS' sandbox implementation for Google play services means considerable privacy and security benefits if you do use it, but at the end of the day you're still putting Google on your device.
bigdata If not should I use my "current" google account for downloads?
Most people make a throwaway Google account to use aurora store or the play store.
harp But if you want to download any apps available in this store it's highly recommended to do this via Accescent because it's the safest way you can do. It's true there are still very few apps available but some really popular like Molly or Organic Maps and others. And especially for using App Verifier it's highly recommended to download it from Accrescent cause it's a security sensitive app and there's no more secure way to get it than >get Accrescent from GrapheneOS app store >get App Verifier from Accrescent.
I don't disagree. My point is that juggling half a dozen app stores is just complicating things and I'm a minimalist. Accrescent is not yet a comprehensive alternative to the play store or even F-droid in terms of app availability.