While I understand the article, unfortunately the author is not really mentioning CustomRoms and GrapheneOS in particular. Is this something GrapheneOS have to be concerned about? Even if you own a Pixel 7,8,9, etc.? I know there might not be a support for the 10 devices yet.
To me, this article somewhat indicates the Google is going the Apple way, by making Android closed-off. I always was a fan of GOS (back when it was called copperhead OS), and I followed Andy's posts, etc. It is incredible, what has been achieved.
Having said that, I've never made the plunge into GOS because I was too afraid to spend money on "half-baked" software - which was anything other than half-baked; it kinda felt wholesome. Now I am simply worried, that if I spend money on a Pixel device and install Graphene on it, that it will be a brick sooner than later - because of the whole locking down thing.
I don't want just a Pixel; I currently run a de-googled, de-samsunged Samsung and don't really wanna change to an iPhone.