I also need to always refresh the page 2-3 times before a tweet will show, otherwise it just says "Something went wrong".

Same issue here, fixed it by using the "Privacy Redirect" firefox extension to redirect twitter links to nitter.

i was asked to verify my phone number and provide approval for data harvesting. honestly im done using the platform anyways.

its all so tiresome

If you're patient enough, you can not provide a phone number, then get your account blocked due to suspicious activity. Then you can appeal. Then get blocked again and appeal. Two-three times. Eventually they'll allow you to exist without a phone number. For some time.

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, they all ask for phone number now. That's the main reason I don't have social media.