The open-source community is also shifting focus. The OpenWrt project has largely abandoned new MikroTik ports because the effort to reverse-engineer RouterBOOT exceeds the benefit. Instead, developers now target inexpensive MediaTek-based boards (BPI-R4, GL.iNet) which are open by design.
Unless you need a specific Linux feature that RouterOS lacks and you have a backup device, stick to stock. For tinkerers with supported chips (e.g., IPQ4018, MT7621), OpenWrt can breathe new life into old RouterBOARDs – but expect a project, not a plug-and-play upgrade. mikrotik custom firmware
Historical limitations in RouterOS (such as older OpenVPN implementations lacking UDP or LZO support in earlier versions) led many to switch to OpenWrt to get full VPN functionality. The open-source community is also shifting focus