CEXs are unfortunately a necessary evil, although alternatives exist and people should use them more.
CEXs are a necessary evil, but there are a few differences.
One thing is trying to operate in an ethical way, minimizing the impact from regulation, and cooperating with the governments on the least possible footprint.
The other is being the government your main client (COINBASE).
That makes a huge difference.
And, yes, CEXs are a necessaryevil, for now.
One day we will exit, and stay digital.
(Like Andreas said many years ago).