but I'm concerned RCS is going to become a deal break for me
For what it's worth, I have RCS working with GrapheneOS. I don't think I did anything special, but it did take awhile. I did see stuff on their forum about others having a bigger issue with it, though.
Do you have Google services installed? I use MicroG...
Yes, I have Google Plays Services, Google Services Framework, and the Google Play Store installed, which are all sandboxed. MicroG isn't supported by GrapheneOS.
Oh interesting, I didn't know that's how GrapheneOS handles Google services. I'd love to have working NFC pay and RCS, so I'm going to have to take a look at it. Thanks for sharing!
NFC works. NFC payment is dependent on the app as some block those that fail Play Integrity / Google certification. Google Wallet / Pay does not work for payment because Google blocks it.