Lessons from this situation: 1. Prefer an email provider with human support - which probably means paying money; otherwise, choose a free email provider with a

Lessons from this situation: 1. Prefer an email provider with human support - which probably means paying money; otherwise, choose a free email provider with a better record on these matters than Google/Alphabet. If you do use Google: 2. Prefer independent sign-in on websites which offer signing in with a Google account. 3. Periodically back up your email someplace that's not Google, preferable on your own HDD and with a copy on removable media.