This is a bit surprising in 2024 (well almost 2025). Android has a really nice API for reducing the need for this permission, and most of it has been around sicnce android 10.
I had mine APU2C4 for over 6 years, used as an all in one router, WiFi AP, NAS. Replaced it few weeks ago with Odroid H3+. Now I can have way more storage, 64 GB instead of 4 GB and performance while idling at same or lower power (3.5 Wh). APU2 (like the case) did indeed felt a bit more industrial grade though.
I ended up combining multiple forecast providers in a single chart and can't use (and don't need to) anything else. There were some good apps but most don't really help orientation within the chart or maintaining the chart scale.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UnJ3amzJM94
Maybe the author is not aware of these? How about opening an issue?