Linux has become the dominant operating system for a wide range of devices, even though other options like FreeRTOS or the BSD family seem more specialized. The widespread adoption of Linux suggests that a single, versatile operating system may be more practical than several niche ones. However, the decision to drop support for certain hardware because it complicates maintenance, as seen here, would seem to contradict the benefit of a unified system. I wouldn't be surprised if it really just results in more Linux forks - Android is already at the point of not quite following mainline.