I’m on the Essential now running /e/ Pie. Whether you decide to get the phone or not, have a look at some of the recent threads in the Essential Category and elsewhere. In particular these three…
Updating to /e/OS Pie using fastboot, adb, and TWRP
Testing. Updating Nougat to Pie Without Firmware
Error in installation instructions, unable to make backup
I’ll be updating my back to stock post soon.