@AXE16000_A 

I have installed DD-WRT on a Linksys router to gain some functionality before I got an Archer C8. DD-WRT worked fine but I do not recall any updates to it during the year or so I used it. I have since replaced the C8.

You have to ask yourself, which is better; open source firmware such as DD-WRT, vendor modified firmware such as Merlin on Asus routers, or the vendor's firmware. 

They all have good and bad points. They are only as good as the persons that support them. 

When I buy a router, I want one that covers all my network needs, is supported, and does not expose me to the outside internet. If a router requires that I have to sign on to a website somewhere in order to setup and maintain, I do not want it. It can be a option but not required. 

DD-WRT and other open source products like Linux has been breeched in the past. 

I prefer to use the vendor's firmware as long as it fits my needs. I think the vendor has more invested in keeping it current.

I think many router vendors have too many products which makes it harder for them to support all of the models and versions. Synology has very few routers, but they are not up to date with the latest tech and they are mainly a network storage company. I have no experience with Synology, but it is interesting to me.    

What router works for me may not work for you. 

  @ArcherC8 I simply asked a question if an alternative FW is available knowing the Broadcom limitation. I didn't ask for a open source distortation.

Since you went down this rabbit hole you realize Tp-Link is the subject of potential ban and has been found to leave open a backdoor for the CCP and other chinese hackers to exploit?

You complain about open source updates, the AXE300 didn't receive an update in over a year until just a few weeks ago. This mean all the vulnerabilities and backdoor left behind exposed every single customer with these routers and more.

If you don't like DD-WRT as you know there is other options and they are updated in a more frequent manner than the MFG. Most MFG don't provide upgrades on older models because they want you to continuously purchase new products like phone MFG. Not providing an upgrade on newer models like these is inexcusable by TP-link and the urgent need to hack the broadcom binary to reverse engineer it or just dump this router.

Agree with you that there is pros and cons, but to placate the open source over the vendor FW b/c they are more vested is fools gold. Read my statement above, the MFG doesn't care any more than those supporting open source projects. The folks who maintain the open source are far more vested than the MFG to keep an older model updated becasue the FW spans across multiple generations of processors so it impacts more than just a single router.

You mention Synology, they have a great storage solution which is updated regularly. Why you would buy a router from them is beyond me as that is not their niche. You don't go to a tire shop and buy an engine.

Sometimes the consumers need to wisen up.