So, when you said "The device has never existed", you realize how that was a bit misleading, right? The way you've been presenting this situation would suggest that Google enabled 2FA in an impossible manner.
The device existed. You ignored the warnings and wiped the device before transferring your authentication elsewhere. There's plenty of things to be critical of Google over, but flagrant user error like this isn't one of them.
"Hurry up, we're gonna be late for our reservation."
"Hold on, my dress has to install an update!"