I never enable automatic app updates. However, Google Play Services is unaffected by this setting--it updates whenever Google wants it to, without any indication to the device owner.

Sure, I could use Android without Google Play Services. That would also mean not being able to use the vast majority of apps in the Play Store--and I don't mean games. That would mean not being able to use, e.g. Google Maps.

So to use Google Maps, I should have to give Google free rein to push updates to its software to my phone whenever it wants, including untested updates that cause breakage, crashes, and battery draining causing high temperatures?

This is what's wrong with Android.

And you can't seriously claim that such drastic breakage happens on a regular basis with Debian Stable.

You can use AOSP and install the Google Maps apk without Google Play Services. It's a hassle though.

I would also like to have more control over what Google does in my Android phone while not losing the ability to install apps easily.