Yes

Long press and select without lifting has always worked for me, even in iOS 16.

Very happy with my Peel case. Super slim and minimalist, still provides a small rim for the screen and has a grippy but unobtrusive texture.

You cannot remove the messages app. You can press and hold and tap “Remove” but the only option you are given is to remove it from the Home Screen.

Not all apps are removable, some are baked into the OS.