I've read it on a site called windowsforum.com some time ago. I understand your scepsis, thats my fault, sorry it's not 3 months but 3 years decline and in the article it was something about Windows has with 60% now the fewest users it ever had after the end of Windows 10 and constant AI implementations in every MS app possible.
Also I remember that 88% of all useres used Windows 10 about 2 or 3 years ago but I don't know where I've seen this survey, maybe it was steam.
Yes, this could have been an option that would satisfy everyone, if you don't like the look of your laucher, just install a different one, you want a different keyboard, just change it.
last year I converted to Linux and choose Bazzite because of the promises I would get away from american anti consumers practices and it is "the best" gaming distro. Three months later I have Microsoft PTSD without even using MS software because of this shit.
MS MFA allows to use a different Authenticator App. On the step called "Start by getting the app" you just need to press the blue text above the "next" button which spells "I want to use a different authenticator app", there you can use whatever you prefer, even WinAuth works with this method.
Cold water is good for your physical health, now do something for your mental health and stop searching for negative topics and beginn searching for positive ones.
Ki Ring