iOS constantly demand Apple ID, then lock, reset, repeat again and again

This happened on iPhone 12 Pro Max, iOs 16.7. I have frequently been asked to enter Apple password only to have it ask again minutes later. I enter the CORRECT password, then when I try to use say Podcasts, I'm asked again. Usually it then locks the account Which I then have to unlock with the same birthday and questions over and over, maybe 4 times, then it is good for a month. Not this time: this routine was followed by account disabled for security. I had to enter the same info over and over, getting reset, asked again, locked out, reset, disabled. I worried the phone was faulty but this was cross devices, I could fix it on Macbook, then the phone would moments later demand password again. I tried changing password as demanded, only to have it disable, then demand a new password minutes later. Though it had mysteriously fixed itself after going through the ritual again, but Settings showed a notice "Update Apple ID Settings" again not 5 minutes later. Am I being punished for not using 2 factor ID? I dont use it for exactly this reason, it would be even harder to reset or update ID.