So the preinstallation of all the KDE apps is a choice of the distro?

Correct.

It is however running a Qualcomm modem firmware you can’t control and is phoning home, regardless of your GrapheneOS settings, with your GPS coordinates and other data you can’t read, at any time.

Can you expand upon this?

Long, drawn out siege warfare was even a stereotypical strategy of Soviet generals. This is precisely how Russia has been waging war in Ukraine.