So basically this is where I’ve landed on this after rooting, moding, etc. all of my electronics for the last 30 years: for devices where I want to customize everything, it’s going to be done with a Linux computer to begin with because there’s absolutely nothing standing in my way. For other things that I just need to work reliably and not become yet another chore, I buy some product. So I would buy a thermostat, but build my own NAS (with a 3D printed 7-bay case).
I’m beyond sick - as I think you might be too - of all the extra stuff I have to keep up with whenever I jailbreak/root/whatever a device just so I don’t fuck it up with some careless action or update. I just don’t have the same amount of free time and mental energy to dedicate to this stuff anymore. I wish I did though.