@PixelBob They're no less dependent on AOSP than GrapheneOS. GrapheneOS is actively working with a far larger OEM towards future devices meeting our requirements and providing official GrapheneOS support. Fairphone's devices are made by an ODM for them. They have very little involvement in either the hardware or software. Their devices have atrocious privacy and security:

GrapheneOS Discussion Forum

Devices lacking standard privacy/security patches and protections aren't private - GrapheneOS Discussion Forum

GrapheneOS discussion forum

They can't keep up with basic updates.