n3t_admin are you trying to MTP into a guest profile on the Pixel itself?
Nope. The pixel is regarded as a USB-device and I use "Redirect USB device" to assign it to the Guest. Then, I need to manipulate files on the 9a from the Guest OS file manager. Pretty standard stuff and as mentioned, the 4a and 2 Motorola are fine with it and have been for years.
Whatever it is, it is the 9a firmware. Especially so now that the the Host can connect OK.
Why the Host can now see it is a mystery, but maybe connecting to the win-10 laptop which worked fine and that set or reset something in the 9a and now the 9a is happy with the Host system at least.
The 9a is probably trying to do something at the bare-metal level within the Guest and it ain't there, but it is with the Host.