Now with Aurora store out of the picture it seems there is no real alternative to using the Google Play store for apps that cant be downloaded directly or via Fdroid.
But how bad is it actually to use Play store? I never used it before on my current phone, its no problem to create a dummy google account and the apps I need is free so no credit card needs to be registered. But what info will they actually get from my device ? Will they pull my phone number and whatnot ?
Not to mention in my experience Play Services can be a battery drain. I experienced it in stock Pie and it just happens randomly.
I intend to turn it off again(see my reply above) so that should not be an issue.