Photos getting compiled into albums without permission

This is how Photos works. You choose Photos because you want those features. If you use the app you're telling Apple to work with your images as it does. That's why Apple think that. If you don't want Apple doing that, then why are you using the app? Now you have consumer choice. Use a different application that works the way you prefer. Simple.

You need to descend from that lofty steed.

Yes you did choose Photos. Just becuase you didn't research the implications of using it beforehand, doesn't mean you did't choose it. It was there and you said ok. Apple offer you an app. Like every single app on your computer it is offered 'as-is'. Photos is designed with a lot of automation built-in for those that like that sort of thing. Once you started using the app then you accepted it 'as-is'. Read the User Licence Agreement sometime. When you accepted that's when you agreed.

Lastly, Apple are not "interfering" with your photos. Every single app will "interfere: in some way. Deciding whether to show you your images by date created, or file name, or ascending or descending... that's all interference in your book. Get real.

Start by doing some research on alternative camera apps and photo managers. Decide what your budget is and go from there. I'd suggest Adobe Lightroom. It's the best.

Most of these apps will have a trial period. Test them and see for yourself.

One option, the one I use, is just not to look at them. Luckily, Photos making Memories, etc, doesn't interfere with anything that I do in Photos.