Background
In the issue #44146 (comment), there's a suggestion to replace Product Image with Cover block so we enable all of the Cover block features. Also, it would open new capabilities in terms of patterns creation.

@nerrad proved in a quick check there's no obvious problem with that:

Goal:

• Double check there are no negative side effects of using Cover instead of Product Image
• Make sure Cover block covers Product Image capabilities
• If no problems are detected:
  • replace Product Image with Cover (+ On Sale Badge) block in patterns that include Product Collection
  • use Cover (+ On Sale Badge) as a default block in Product Collection