I once tried to sign up for Gmail and they asked way to many questions like Google does if you want an account, so I steered clear of accounts with either one of them.
I know from past remarks, iCloud gives you hives, but given your current situation this could easily solve your email delay annoyance. As an Apple owner/customer you are entitled to a
FREE Apple email account (@icloud.com) with
a number of unique options? Even better, Apple does not sell or give away your information to anyone, and does not subject you to advertising — even their own*¹.
FOOTNOTE:- While Apple does not charge for this service and derives no direct revenue from it, my contention there is no such thing as free email holds true with Apple email as well. Apple's customers pay for email service in the form of brand loyalty.
