I think that counts! The goal of that rule is to stop yourself from burning out from hyperfixating on practice, which can be pretty demoralizing and draining, especially in a case where it differs from your favored art/subject matter. I'm kind of in the same boat, where my interest is leaning into figure drawing rather than the constructional stuff DrawABox is working on, but I do find a lot of benefits to my general drawing even if its a little outside of what I personally "want" to be doing.

That being said, it might be worth including some drawing time just to get more used to the tools and all. Maybe a sketchbook or notebook and a pen for doodling on the go would be worth getting, since there's less of a "setup" than painting it might be easier to do it out and about when you can't paint. If its becoming too much of a chore I wouldn't force myself to, though

I'd say it counts. I think the point of the 50% rule is so we don't forget the point of art, which is enjoyment, and to prevent burnout or losing focus/desire to continue with the lessons.