Years ago when I used gapps I paid. Since google has evolved more into surveillance capitalism I ditched them, No g on my phone. I have no problem updating apps I paid for earlier with mod versions from other sources. Sometimes I email the developer offering to pay for a mod apk, rarely do I get a reply. I think two devs did reply to me and I did pay directly. They do work and deserve support. But most are so tied into big g they can't work with customers any more.
google has evolved into something many can't support. But leaving them behind is does sacrifice convienience. Oh well.