I'm not generally into conspiracy, but as I keep trying to work out the issue I described in this thread, I came across this:

    https://sneak.berlin/20201112/your-computer-isnt-yours/

Might explain quite a lot, actually, (particularly at the FAQ section under "When did this start?") and why it feels like macOS has taken a huge dive (that I couldn't explain) since Mojave.

I still have High Sierra installed on my 2017 15-inch Mac, and will likely keep it that way forever... if for nothing else, but as a reference of what once was.

Staying away from Big Sur for as long as I can.

Mark.