replacing the single most universal function

For quite some time now, Apple and Samsung have had the shutdown menu behind a multi-button press (Lock + Vol +/-). In Apple’s case, it’s always required more than just the lock button.

If anything, this is Google shifting to the ‘norm’, having multiple button presses be the default is ideal in preventing accidentally invoking the menu and shutting down the device.

Far as “anti consumer” is concerned:

ad delivering spyware

Relative to most consumers, this perspective has you in the minority. Your average consumer is going to engage with this feature, this change makes the feature as accessible as possible so that you can do something like send a text with a single hand / button press.