...doesn't sound removed to me, there are still copies sitting on other phones and servers somewhere.

No, still not removed...the idea and possibility for implementation still exists in people's minds.

Regardless of the point, this language is extremely unhelpful here, especially considering op tried with good intent to help people dealing with the issue.

And there are other analogies too, e.g with certain diseases being "functionally cured" vs "cured." Did the GP use the wrong word? Sure. But making that the sole focus of criticism misses the intent of the GP and the greater value of the whole comment, which instructs people on how to disable it so that it's functionally non-impactful.