This is another reason why I recommend to use your own domain (from a 3rd party registrar). If you can't, at least set a mail-forward to a different mailprovid

This is another reason why I recommend to use your own domain (from a 3rd party registrar). If you can't, at least set a mail-forward to a different mailprovider (I have an old hotmail account) so if you get locked out, at least you can receive mails. Use Google Takeout at least twice a year. Another option would probably be to use Office365, I don think it's that expensive and I guess you would have the possibility of getting real support?