They support boards by forking the kernel and distributing it ilegally, for example by linking openssl, meanwhile other providers (e.g. Debian) try to do the correct thing, and reimplement or substitute them for distributable pieces. They are a leaf in the ecosystem, and don't contribute back. They receive donations to provide images that are illegal, even if they work.
Please support people that contribute upstream to mainline and not fork Linux and stagnate efforts instead.
[1] https://github.com/armbian
Ignoring their convenience scripts(which you don't have to use) they manage(d) to be the solution for most ARM-based SBC not being Raspberry. Often better than the solutions from some fire and forget vendors based on obsolete kernels.
They make the best out of a bad situation, similar to things like LineageOS and others for Android-based smartphones, for some more technically inclined and able users. Without much bikeshedding or care for the glacial flow and rituals of other orgs. What do you suggest as a solution? Have the FSF sue countless vendors into oblivion until they comply to your whims and whishes? Hmmm, why not start with Samsung then, and then Google, down the whole chain of craptastic smart things?
Yeah, let's see how that will work out.
