I had just changed my password (nothing complex or long) and had written it down so I was confident I had it when I restarted my computer and was given the notice it was the wrong password, tried different variations (lowercase, upper case letters), still wrong.
Finally I was able to create a new password and recover my Google account. Then to get on again I was also asked for my old password which the reason I needed a new one is because I had the old one wrong.
This should not, not, not be this hard. I have 3 methods for Google to verify that it is my account, so why are they not good enough?

I'm getting occasional prompts to log into Google, but I don't remember ever having to do this. And as with all things tech, I'm sure chaos will ensue.

They have people and can get more. They just don't want to pay more salary.

And I don't want to end up deleting my local data when it says that I have successfully recovered my account.

More organizations are moving to expiring local credentials so even if you saved them, you'll have to reenter them periodically. Many are 30 days.

Have you tried the methods listed at these website?

https://gmailaccountrecovery.blogspot.com/

https://accounts.google.com/signin/recovery

I have found using the two step verification helpful when password issues arise. By adding the cell phone number it will text the phone with a code to enter on the computer. That system has saved me more than once. Hope you are up and running soon! 😊

I tried a number of them with variations having the same last 4 characters. None worked. So for the hell of it I tried the one just previous to what I thought was the last and it was correct.
It did take a good number of frustrating hours that I had to simply let go of for a few days, using the Chomebook's guest mode.
But thanks to all who offered help.