I took a similar journey. I had the Pixel Pro 7, and when that broke I went to the 8 Pro.
I was on LineageOS with Root, and utilized quite a bit of root enabled apps and plugins.
- AdAway (I needed a non-vpn-like ad blocking solution, because I also used WireGuard
- WireGuard Kernel Module
- SDMaid(2?)
- A-GPS SUPLReplacer
- ReVanced (without Micro G)
- Termux
- PlayIntegrityFix
- TrickyStore
- AFWall+ (Since I didn't want some apps making network connections)
- Custom Kernels (mainly for optimization, including but not limited to thermal issues)
I am sure there were more, in fact I know I used more but they constantly were changing because of keeping up with the cat and mouse game of passing Google's Verification. All because I wanted control.
That was one of the biggest reasons behind root for me, to have full control over everything.
I took a step back, and decided to go down the rabbithole of using GrapheneOS, and eith a few exceptions, offered everything I was trying to accomplish with LineageOS and Root. All without the side-effects.
Do I miss having root? Yes. Would i switch back? That's complicated. Yes and No, but really dependent on how Google decidesproceed in their endeavors of trying to lock everything down.
I don't want another "Apple." I am on Android because I am more of a poweruser than anyone I know in real life. I use more than just texting/messaging apps, and multimedia. I manage servers, and care about privacy, and I want to understand the inner workings of the devices I use. Bet ya can't what family of OSs I use on my PCs? Just kidding. You already know.