Choosing not to fly is pretty simple (If you accept that some locations are simply off limits). Flying "another plane" is NOT simple, unless you completely avoid airlines that have MAX8's, or avoid flying where a MAX8 may be used.

The problem is amplified by a few statistical problems: 737-800 is probably the most common jet around. Most (all?) MAX8 operators have 737-800's. That means any time you book a flight where a 737 may be used, it can be either a 737-800 or a MAX8. You can't know.

You can always turn around when you see a MAX8 in your gate, but you can't know when booking that a MAX8 won't be used, even if it says 737-800 when you book. So unless you are ready to turn around in the gate when you see a MAX8, you simply can't book that airline. Depending on whose wedding or what job interview you were flying to, turning around at the gate might not be so appealing either.

Also of note, the US Air Force has been refusing delivery of the air tankers Boeing is building because of manufacturing sloppiness. Bad engineering and poor quality manufacturing seems to be a hallmark of Boeing these days.

After the FAA let themselves get hoodwinked by Boeing, this means a lot less than it used to, and it will take time to restore a reputation for being a legit independent check.