Changing the cursor on sites is like a peak 90s and early 00s thing… This has been common on small personal websites for ever.

Are we really bitching about it nowadays?

I would rather have that than sites that are stealing my mouse inputs so it sticks to the UI elements. I hate it. Like let me control my own mouse please, theres a reason they didn’t give you the ability to actually control where the mouse is via javascript, please leave it be.

As with anything web design, we should think about context and nuance. Is this a web tool where the user needs to do work? Is it designed with small buttons (for function or aesthetics)?

If so, probably keep the default pointer. Though if it’s a splashy brand page with tiny buttons, I could imagine some other pointer styles that might be good.

Speaking of, is it something splashy and marketing heavy? Is it intended more as an experiment, experience, or intentional maximalist design?

If so, then I can see the argument. Accessibility still matters, though so implement graceful depredation so that folks who prefer motion effects disabled get a default pointer.

The answer is not “never change the pointer” but rather, “only break web standards if you have a good, well considered reason.”