(I'd have to open a Gmail account as a workaround, and that involves more involvement with Google than I care for. Happily, my current issue isn't critical, and I've got time to wait. )
I too am trying to limit my involvement with Google, but since you have a Mac, why not set up an iCloud email? Doesn't cost anything and I have found it to be highly reliable.
If we knew what it was we were doing, it wouldn't be called research, would it?
