I would much rather a FOSS option, that is difficult to tap into. The other option is people using proprietary setups that can be data mined without the user’s knowledge.

Its a classic “perfect is the enemy of good” situation.

TSA luggage keys are a good counter example.

In theory, only you and airport security can open your case. In practice, you can pick them up off eBay for next to nothing.

PhD level and up are notorious for over specialisation.

My university had a personal assistant, dedicated to 2 professors. Half their job was to make sure they made it to lectures on time. They still managed to be late sometimes.