I gave up when aurora stopped working one or two years ago. I just get 99% apps from fdroid. Hence, Google has little power on my device. That's enough for me.

I've tried getting the Aurora Store to work, but to no avail. I may need to source apk files on the apps that need updating.

sadly i know of none other than aurora store. i usually use aurora, apkmirror and apkpure. do note that apkpure recently had a malicious telegram apk

Didnt tried, but this one?
maproj.org/apps/appstore

e OS has the App Lounge that does both Play store and f-droid: gitlab.e.foundation/e/os/apps