I have had USB-C phones, battery packs and other devices since 2015. Not a single port or cable has failed me so far.
Worrying about the durability of USB-C 7 years later seems unwarranted. But I can see wanting to use up your lighting cable subscription before moving on.
I told my partner, just get the phone ASAP when you can, it’s the only non usb thing we have left.
Why should these things be free? The other things we get for free on the web are either supported by donations or they harvest something from you that’s valuable and sell it, that’s not free either.
I’m into the idea of paying for higher quality services and have enjoyed my kagi trial. Might see if I can find someone to split an account with.