However, when I use Google Maps, I do have the behavior described elsewhere in this thread: it constantly bugs me to open the links in chrome (which I’ve never had installed) even though I always click “use default browser”. Googling something in safari also regularly prompts me to install chrome.
* Navigation (in some countries and regions1) –– choose another app instead of the Apple Maps app to use when opening links for a location
I don't have this option in the US.