Yes app is connected to play store like almost all of the apps on android. But no other apps that i know of require play store and google account just to connect to own servers to download map and some settings, should be done directly.

So yes it is a problem, because now you are forced to create google account, use the play store (instead of better alternatives to my opinion), etc.
And no if you read my comment correctly i'm not complaining about an paid app, i already said it is happening to free version also. So has nothing to do with paying or not, even when i pay i will have this problem!
Eh essential component on android? Tell me what these are and do not mention the optional google apps, because these are not essential for the open android system!