You're unfortunately right that Google is closing down Android. I dislike Apple with a passion, but the noose over hear in Android-land is getting tighter too.

One example is how in newer phones it will be impossible for apps to bypass root detection. I don't know why it should be anyone's business whether I want to run my banking app on a rooted phone or not, but this is the state of modern technology unfortunately...

You can absolutely use Android without having the Play Store installed.