I've been using GNOME 40 for the past few months, and I'm impressed with the level of quality: intuitiveness, polish, features. This software works well on my Pinephone too. I'm happy to trade my flexibility to allow the GNOME the flexibility to make improvements that benefit all. I understand some want more flexibility, however.
Maybe we should just admit that this is the Gnome Way. If customization is super important for you, maybe KDE, .. are the better options. There's a choice. =)