I think the error is quite verbose and tells you everything you need to know.

Generally, do not install packages outside of a virtual environment unless you know what you’re doing. Given the option, use your package manager version of the same package. Outside of that, use your python environment manager of choice to install stuff. There are lots of options: conda, uv, venv, virtualenv, pipenv, etc.

The error exists to warn you that you could potentially break critical system installed packages by installing other things at a user or system level with pip.

Mullvad offers DoH and DoT, why not set firefox to use that as well?

In terms of search results, ddg sometimes will find very specific searches better and has more bells and whistles. I still prefer SearXNG, and have been using my instance almost exclusively since setting it up.

Every time this happens to me, the clerk/cashier just shrugs and is like, “okay”. They get it, but are obligated to try anyway. The best you can do is be polite.

Note that Yandex has an aggressive captcha, so it doesn’t really work with SearXNG in its current state. Tested a couple weeks ago.

You might consider trying Miniconda, a version of Anaconda. It installs a local python environment of your choosing at a user level. https://docs.anaconda.com/miniconda/

I’d say the The Expanse fits the bill. It is a book series with a very successful television adaptation.