Same, I still love my 7 (which still works perfectly fine despite using it everyday, even still has its original battery and screen) and been avoiding the upgrade until now because of the lack of Home button on the newer models.
I use both iPhone 13 Pro & Pro Max everyday because I do iOS development (among many other things), so it's not like I don't know how to use the newer models, but the Home button is so intuitive I can use the 7 even when I'm half awake whereas I need to pay close attention to the screen on 13.
Not having a Home button is like a keyboard without an Esc key.
I've stayed with the SE models for the Home Button. Love the Home Button and not having a phone that's too big or too small. The SE models seem just right. But I hear they don't sell well so who knows how much longer they will be around.
I agree that the home button is invaluable from a UI perspective but for unlocking, it's annoying as hell if you live somewhere it's cold (ie gloves) or get your hands significantly dirty or wet.
I use both iPhone 13 Pro & Pro Max everyday because I do iOS development (among many other things), so it's not like I don't know how to use the newer models, but the Home button is so intuitive I can use the 7 even when I'm half awake whereas I need to pay close attention to the screen on 13.
Not having a Home button is like a keyboard without an Esc key.