It's weird how the article doesn't even mention that part - which is honestly the much bigger issue.

The google services are one thing, but the big deal is getting locked out of all the other sites, services and subscriptions people signed up for using their gmail address.

Personally I have been de-googling over the past few years, and moving all my accounts to an alternative email.

I still keep a google account because I want to use youtube and maps, but I intentionally don't comment or post or do anything. If I don't engage with the "community" there's little chance of getting spuriously reported and banned, or any similar bullshit.

For me, the source of my digital identity is having a bitchin' username.