> Like, why don't we just let projects be "done"? Things don't need to be maintained and updated for eternity.

This is generally why I opt for "single-file" libraries that do one simple task well. The smaller the library, the more likely it is "done". For example, do I want some insanely complex image library that handles every file format under the sun, or do I just want some basic one that allows me to output a simple JPEG?

I often find myself referring to "single_file_libs" repository: https://github.com/nothings/single_file_libs

Looking at the open issues, it doesn't appear to be actively maintained but it's still an incredibly good resource for "completed" projects.