Alternatively, sideloading could require you to delete all App Store apps. In other words, disabling Google Play Protect should require you to wipe your phone. This is another barrier that will prevent a lot of people from getting scammed.
At what ratio do you say "this freedom is worth it?" I feel like narrative is always that we point out one bad thing that happened, and then the immediate answer is to take away freedom. What happened to a balanced analysis?
I think what happened is due to asymmetry: it's very easy to point out the cost of freedom, but it's very hard to articulate it's value.
That's why we so relentlessly march toward authoritarianism: we think taking away freedom will solve our problems. Then, one day we wake up and realize the lack of freedom has become our biggest problem, but by that point, it's too late.