iirc, as of right now, its only the expensive processors that meet the security standards GrapheneOS has. Therefore only being available in the future high-end Motorola phones.

Exactly. Graphene is not for the poors, still. Even used phones that can run it can be pricey.

I got a deal on a new 9 from my carrier for $5 a month for 24 months.

$120 CAD.

But, in canada, the phones come carrier unlocked and had no issue flashing it. Though i only ever powered it on once before it was flashed - to turn on oem unlocking. The sim was not used until then. So it didn't do any auto downloads that might have caused a problem.

Long short: you can find them cheap if you look.

What are the odds that it filters down?

I'll pick up a cheap android and put Lineage on it before I buy another flagship phone.

I was looking at the lowest end pixel for Graphene (Pixel 7) and they are still nearly $400 on the aftermarket. It’s insane.

Yeah, there are very few cases that would make me fork hundreds of Euros for a frigging phone.