Every single router vendor does this. It is an issue, but it is not a google issue.
Most reputable vendors put out firmware updates for a long time. Routers should not be disposable consumer devices, I think.
I have this belief both from a security standpoint (frequent updates are important) but also as someone who supports quite a few family members. Switching out routers over the phone is not easy for an 80 year old.
[0] https://wikidevi.com/wiki/ASUS_RT-N66U
[1] https://www.asus.com/us/Networking/RTN66U/HelpDesk_BIOS/
https://www.macrumors.com/2019/05/30/airport-base-station-fi...