I would be surprised if ASUS abandon these models, I just guess they are a low priority and are having issues obtaining decent code blobs from chipset manufacturers etc.
But I do agree, the DSL-AC88U and others had there moment and owners/new customers should look elsewhere.
Not defending ASUS, but Netgear with the XR500 (DumaOS) are as poor as ASUS DSL with updates. (all a poor service really) 
In a completely sane world, madness is the only freedom (J.G.Ballard).
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