Then get a fairphone and load /e/OS or something else like that? GrapheneOS on Pixels aren’t the only degoogled option. GrapheneOS makes it clear that their priority is security, so if you’re willing to compromise on that then GOS likely isn’t for you.

The other reason that companies like to use AWS is for liability. If you don’t own the hardware you’re not as responsible for the physical security and maintenance for tons of servers distributed around the world. At least that’s what my employer likes about it. For personal use or smaller companies, I def don’t see the use case of AWS just out of price and complexity.

I don’t think OP would be able to use the modern internet lol

If they still can then goddam please write a tutorial