Comment by stevetron
1 year ago
The source code is available for Chrome. Suppose one downloads the source code, and then re-enables the Manifest v2? A bit of work, particularly when you have to do other things that probably allow it to co-exist with Manifest v3, and Manifest v4 when it comes. And prevent updates from taking it all out again. While working on it, flip the compiler's command-line switch that allows the executable to run on Windows 7.
How long after the announced Windows 10 end of life will it be before all the software companies say 'Windows 11 is the minimum' like was seen with Windows 7?
Keeping MV2 going is a massive and unrealistic effort for a small dev group while continuing to incorporate upstream changes. You cannot leave a browser without those upstream changes as they include security patches.
The source code is available for Chromium, not Chrome. You can always maintain a fork, but it's a lot of work, and it's not a great solution to the problem of "world's largest surveillance company makes world's most popular browser".