For context, App Lounge is the default store for e/OS. We recently got an update with some security patches, my phone has been upgraded to Android 16 and now the store has completly change. App Lounge used to get their apps from FDroid, now its a Google Sandbox???
also from what i could tell app lounge was always intended to be the way to install playstore apps without foss alternatives like uber or your banking app or apps for work/school. at least thats how i always used it.
i see this change as neutral at best.