How to "safely" use paid apps from Google Play?

All three of those examples use the package name com.android.vending (same as Play Store) so a basic installer check should pass.

There was a time though when folks were getting hit by another snag. Some apps, even though free and no IAP, would also look for a certain Play Store function. Failing to get a response from the fake stores would result in an app not launching. That was eventually fixed though.

Weathernetwork fails to run with Latest OS up date - Using /e/OS / Applications - /e/OS community

There was always something but little by little things are getting better.