I shared the same sentiment when they started out as “eelo” back then.
But it makes sense. Some thoughts …
LineageOS will not allow the pre-integration of microG in the way /e/OS or LineageOS for microG (another fork) do it.
LineageOS will not take further degoogling steps like /e/OS does. It’s not their priority and not why they exist. And it keeps LineageOS compatible with the genuine Google Apps and services, e.g. via installing Open GApps.
And then the e foundation sells phones with /e/OS on them. When doing this, you’d better have some non-volunteer developers at hand and full control over the OS you use.