The stock Graphene SMS app sucks, it lacks basic features and customization that standard SMS apps have.
I see no real need to keep it for security and privacy reasons unless someone can share legitimate information about the application for a need to keep it that is note worthy I am all ears to be educated.
I’d like to explore other privacy focused SMS alternative apps. Not services. Just the app. Thanks! I hope this helps others too. I can’t be the only one! I chose top 3 because I would rather not try 50 apps. Just the cream of the crop.
From f-droid you can download ‘Simple SMS Messenger’ they should work for basic stuff like getting sms notifications from businesses. For personal chats it’s better to look into end-to-end encrypted messengers.
Fossify SMS is better, since SimpleMobileTools went proprietary after an aquisition a few years ago.