Using eARC successfully with Sony TV and AV receiver, installed about a year ago. Had plenty of set-up trouble to start with, but got there. It’s now reliable, using a mix of TV apps, Apple TV box, and Verizon FIOS.
Some Sony AV receivers support eARC WITHOUT CEC, which makes the control easier. (Unfortunately, mine does not.)
So, it can be done. It does require more thought on what the commands will do, particularly when changing inputs. (On/off is pretty easy.)
Like many new standards, I’m sure there were (and still are) some compatibility issues, but I’m using eARC in two rooms now, without issue. Other room is LG TV and latest Sonos sound bar (with Atmos, no other AV receiver). Haven’t hooked the LG up to Control4 as the LG remote does a great job and there’s no other integrations I’m concerned with in that room.
Good luck!