I think OpenWRT is the right approach at this point. Open source really excels where there is a 'commons.' We all have a shared interest in secure networks. Commercialized gate keeping of router firmware doesn't make sense. These manufactures should just switch to OpenWRT and skin it.
> These manufactures should just switch to OpenWRT and skin it.
Take a look at Teltonika, that's basically what they do, but with nice over-provisioned hardware. Comes with the "industrial" price tag, but theirs is the most rock solid network gear I've ever used, and you actually receive frequent router and modem firmware updates.
I have one of their RUTX50 (5G LTE modem/router) at home and get about ~550 Mbit's through it, best internet I've ever had. I've never been forced to reboot it. I tried some consumer 5G modems before that and they were a total waste of money. I've also used their non LTE gear elsewhere and it's the same pleasant experience, and naturally highly configurable due to OpenWRT without having to hack around.