There are configuration files for dnf in /etc/dnf/protected.d
that might have gnome-shell listed. Check that directory for a file called gnome-shell.conf
. If there is, you can simply rm it and try removing gnome-shell again.
Be aware that there might be packages you have installed that depend on gnome-shell, so be sure to double check the list of dependent packages that will also be removed.
Yeah, you're not wrong that the article kinda sets itself up for the "lookit our recommended VPNs" pitch.
There's no way Microsoft would purposefully disable VPNs from working. I can guarantee that they require VPNs for thousands of roles in the company, let alone breaking it for government agencies that require VPNs, etc.
It is good to know that a specific update can break something ahead of time, though. Then at least you can avoid it.