Given that OpenWRT is the reference distribution of choice for networking chipsets these days, the reference goals do seem to be focused on making it better for that.
The last couple of OpenWRT releases have moved fast, in the future OpenWRT could move closer to the cutting edge without the pressure of users who want long term stability?
If so, this blurb from the about page seems interesting:
"LEDE is also an alternation of the phrase to lead, describing an introductory section of a news story that is intended to entice the reader to read the full story."
