I used it exclusively from Nexus and Pixel and now on the Fairphone 6. Probably works better on more stock android? Idk it is pretty solid for me and I recommend it
Action launcher is a good replacement that I don't see recommended. Still updated, stuffed with features. The main one I miss on other launchers is "covers" which let you promote one app as the default for a folder, you can swipe it instead of tapping to open the folder or tap to open the default. I only really use about 10 or so apps super regularly, so it's great as I just have a single home screen that I rarely need to leave
Action can do this. I believe it was implemented on Action before Nova anyway but it's years ago at this point... But yeah that's the main feature I miss with all the other launchers.
I can't quite remember how the in app purchase element of it works, I appear to have paid to be a supporter in 2022, I think around then maybe is when they changed payment models and annoyed people idk.
It's too integral a part of my usage for me to worry about, as much as I love FOSS stuff. I'm totally happy with the small amount I've contributed. The app is still releasing updates.
I switched to action launcher years ago and it still works great. The ability to have a default app in a folder is so convenient, you tap to open the app you use most, or swipe to open the full folder. I'm not aware of another launcher which allows this.
I only have one screen for everything I need because of this feature, with the full app list available on the left and a widget panel with my calendar and weather on the right.
I never see it mentioned in these threads though, I guess because it's not FOSS. I tried lawnchair and the gap in features is massive.
Also, Go Birds!