Very true. ASN.1 is mostly not a great fit, yet has been the choice for everything to do with certificates and telecommunication protocols (even the newer ones like 5G for things like RRC AND NGAP) Mostly for bit-level support and especially long-term stability. * and looking back in time ASN.1 has definetly proven its LTS.

actually never heard of thrift until today, thanks for the insight :)