I think you linked to a TidBITS article that covered most of this. What got my attention in this new link was the news about Trend Micro! I've never used any of their software, always thought of them as a hardware company. But their behaviors reinforce the need to read the Privacy, Terms of Service, etc. before using any app or 'service.
I decided not to use Home Advisor after doing just that. Also found lots of questionable activities/behaviors about Houzz. Slick web sites are no indication of a reputable company. A web page is nothing more than text (and the inevitable javascript garbage). Unfortunately, these security and privacy functions in Mojave may result simply in more people reflexively smashing the "OK" button.
