> users struggle to even accept email address confirmations

This experience is geographically or demographically unique.

That's true for the users you've seen. My users all open emails with no problem.

Now do you see why "the average user" isn't useful to determine how to build something? Even if most people suck at using email, in my app it works well.

So you would agree that some users can prefer notifications over email/sms, or is that line of reasoning only self-serving?

I absolutely agree that different groups of users want different things. An "average user" isn't useful in determining that.

Which is exactly why you can continue emailing your users, while others like me would like an option to use notifications and other PWA features.