You know, I haven’t really thought of it like this. Those for whom I take an interest in their technical lives typically get a spiel from me about whatever solution I’m offering. That spiel often includes something about how “they’ll probably change this eventually in ways no one wants, but the most we can do is speak up. We probably won’t get options.”

But I have to admit your perspective calls to me. I can imagine it would feel quite freeing.

I’m in a minor mess of a situation with my dad’s phone and computer because I’ve tried to be helpful. Now he resists help and that makes both of us frustrated.

I'm happy to share the best information I have with others and most of them are glad that I do.

I had recommended signal to others, but thankfully I've already warned those same people against continuing to use Signal years ago. Nobody was mad at me for Signal's actions and changing your default SMS app isn't hard anyway.

I don't think you have to stop recommending things to people just because situations change. Hasn't everybody had some service or software they depended on go from great to shitty? It's just the nature of using someone else's stuff. At some point they get greedy or busy or decide to pivot into something different from what you want and you have to find something new. Isn't everyone used to that? Why would they blame you?