I think 7.1 was "peak Android as we knew it" - not as disorganized as pre-5.0 Android, not as tame as post-7.1 Android - but not necessarily the best experience

I think 7.1 was "peak Android as we knew it" - not as disorganized as pre-5.0 Android, not as tame as post-7.1 Android - but not necessarily the best experience for the most people (i.e. maximizing utility and satisfaction). In my view, 8.0 and onward have definitely had a simplification/"iOS"-ification of the interface and experience (with the perceived bonus of being less prone to breakage), but I don't see it as a net negative overall. Before that, Android was still visibly geared towards more technical users (compared to the average) and it is understandable that Google wanted to make it more approachable for the masses (remember, hand-me-down iPhones with their less complicated interface and experience were considered the best "grandma smartphones" by many people"). However, I do wish Google hadn't taken some design decisions that make no sense to me (for a recent example, see: Android 12 quick toggles).