Does anybody have any info/ opnions on whether creating a data vacuum through VPN usage and degoogling affects your digital footprint in terms of these surveillance pricing?

Info no. Opinions yes!

It make sense to me, that if you lack a big digital footprint, they will give the highest price.

They always call these discounts, not extra fees. Put the tracker in your car, get cheaper car insurance! Use our club card, enjoy discounted groceries! They don't call it an extra cost if you don't. Even though it's mathematically the same! I think there may even be a legal difference. There is certainly a psychological difference between "you get charged extra" which nobody wants, and "get a discount". Yayyyy! Who doesn't enjoy a discount???

Also, they want to make the attractive choice, the one that gives them the most data. So they will crank up the pain for ppl who opt out of the surveilence.

There is a glimmer of hope tho! Basically NOBODY likes this suveilence pricing. There are 24 US states that have pending bills to ban the practice. Maryland have passed theirs already. This is another case where writing to our reps makes a difference.