it's certainly far from trivial to remove the search bar at the top of the home screen. i tried once, it broke android, and i had to reset the entire OS. but, tbf, the entire process did take <1 minute
Install another home screen, probably can be done in a minute. It is much easier than trying to modify anything at all about the iOS or Windows Phone home screens.
Also, I don't think all Google apps can be uninstalled. Either way, I've certainly seen apps from other OEM partners that can be removed. That should outright be illegal within the EU. All apps that aren't strictly necessary for the functioning of the case operating system should be uninstallable.
Yes, it is, which is why the EU commission have a whole section on explicitly why "default install" is still anti-competitive.