That makes sense. On Ubuntu Touch (if you find a compatible device) you could just delete the apps you don’t want and keep the rest.

Two issues I can think of is updating the apps that you do keep without the app store - I’m not sure there’s an easy way to do that. Maybe transfer the new package via cable or ssh (as you’ve also uninstalled the browser) and install it via the command line? The other issue could be uninstalling system apps. I haven’t tried that myself, but I have heard of others doing it and breaking things.

You could do something like that with Ubuntu Touch, but why waste the battery life and money on a smart phone when you can do this with a feature phone?

Some people use it proudly about themselves, but if somebody who doesn’t love and respect you use it about you, it can be an insult.

While your model may not be supported now, it may be in the future. I would join some of the communities that make custom roms and operating systems and lurk a bit to see if someone is doing a port to your phone and are near the stage where they need testers.

Look at deGoogle guides to see what you can do to make your phone safer in the mean time. Every little bit can help you be more secure.