The downside to your solution of saving photos is that Google has all of your photos. I'm guessing a lot of people buying a PinePhone don't want that. Here's hoping you never run afoul of a random Google account cancellation.

The PinePhone isn't popular enough for an after-market case and screen protector industry to pop up yet.

But, yes, if all you want is a rock-solid experience with a smart phone, the PinePhone is not (yet?) for you.