I think a big part of this is that upgrading from iPhone 8 to 16 is such a huge jump that all the muscle memory that you've built up has changed. You might as well switch to an Android phone. I wonder how OP's opinion would change in a few months once they're used to the phone.
I went from an 8 to a 15. My muscle memory adapted in about a day or two. I’m not old, but I’m also not young.
I love the 15 and still keep the 8 around for music and other things. For me, Face ID is superior and I get confused when I look at my 8 and it doesn’t immediately unlock. And I was super worried about losing Touch ID.