Than you guys need to try Rethink it's ad blocker on steroids. You can use rethink with a actual VPN, tor Block direct connection with IP address And many more

What was the reason though? Personally I never used Reddit. So I don't know about them

There is no word called sideloding it's called installing software

Counter Boop

(´･ᴗ･ ` )

Sadly I don't have bloat :(

My innocent brain wants to know what will actually happen

You are getting blocked

Backups are always good idea

I do own a Samsung devices and I removed them. By removing play services only thing you will find not working is push notification. But now unified push works on some apps.

The other thing is you will find some apps won't work(I say just don't use those spywares apps). Some apps will show notification that "enable play services or I won't work blah blah" But still working fine

Removing gemini is recommended. Do it. You can even remove play store and play services without bricking your phone. Sorry but didn't understand what you said about windows. Insular or island is kinda buggy but they work totally offline so you don't have to worry about it. Have you tried shelter? Though you should not keep any Google app

Yep pretty lightweight and simple with no extra bloat