A free software android distribution doesn't need to put in the same level of effort as the entire android ecosystem does, considering it profits off the entire android ecosystem and probably isn't even in the same business as most distributors who allocate considerable resources towards making their devices as user hostile as possible. Therefore, lineageos has a fundamental advantage over all other vendors, as they can create a much better experience with a fraction of their competitors workforce and money.

I don't know when you last layed your eyes on a "competitive" android os spinoff, but I'm honestly shaken every time I see what other people have to endure on their mobile computers. It's a disgrace.