I've also started to notice this same set of problems - albeit without the data use spike, yet, and I don't use Meet. App hangs and play services failing, which seems to cause the blank profile image in Google apps, are definitely an issue. I've found that I can force stop play services and things will work again for a time. I've also noticed that sometimes Gboard won't type until the app calling it is closed, removed from recents, and reopened. Not sure what triggers this or if it's related.
I also experience exactly the same case. A force stop to Play Service is sufficient. It would be great if there is a fix. Quite annoying. It does not happen to my other phone, Poco F3, running crDroid 9 and the same NikGapps.