Thank you so much for all the conversation that has been going on here. It made the experience of flashing android 9 then ubports onto my used Pixel 3a XL a very smooth experience.
Flashing was quick and flawless.
Everything worked perfectly!
The OS experience was quick and smooth. Battery was great through hours of continuous wifi browsing. GPS worked very well.
I really loved using it for the night but can't use it as a daily driver for the moment. That would change immediately if webpush notifications through the browser were supported and if progressive web apps were easily created through the browser.
I should maybe think about using my device differently but for now I'm back to android though I am greatly relieved to know I can switch back so easily.
I may get a second device just to keep trying with ubports. Truly amazing work happening but just a bit short of my work needs.
If others have ideas or experience about notification workarounds or possibilities I'd be interested to hear more.