Meanwhile, I have my Pixel lock on screen off (only because the fingerprint reader makes unlocking/turning on easy) with OK Google unlocking enabled.

The only problem here is that Google still doesn't recognise my voice half the time, perhaps because I'm never sure about how I should speak to an inanimate object.

Speaking of unlocking methods, face unlock appears to no longer be available as an option for me. I can't find it in settings anymore (smart unlock etc).