Writing code and building community are different skills 

I'd say Graphene itself should take the Calyx approach, while encouraging usage of Auditor to ensure there was no tampering (at least at the software level).

But alas, it's easier for Micay to burn bridges than it is to build them.

I even offer to do it for friends and family and so far no one is interested. Being able to buy a phone that is set up out of to box ready to go is not an unreasonable thing. Few people even install an OS on a computer. 

kepford

privacy

Why we no longer sell phones with GrapheneOS – Private Phone Shop

It has gotten much better. Agree with you on that. Still, its a hurdle many will never even try to overcome. People like us are the exception. 