> Musl has already switched to that, glibc supports it as an option. A number of other distributions such as Debian have taken the leap and switched. Unfortunately, source-based distributions such as Gentoo don’t have it that easy.
While I applaud their efforts I just think as a user I want to be over and done with this problem by switching to a non source-based distribution such as Debian.
The bonus is you can build your new system from your old system using just chroot. Very convenient.
You can install new copy of Gentoo instead of upgrading it incrementally.
Yes there are ways to deal with those things, but it doesn't change the fact that this transition is a big deal.
In practice there will be build failure, configation in /etc and sysmlinks managed outside the package manager (e.g. via eselect) that can affect builds and much more. Just reinstall is only simple right after you first installed the system.
The distinction has more nuance. Source based distros like nixos don't have the same issue. The problem is more in how Gentoo builds/installs the packages than in building from source.
Also with third party closed source software, you're still going to have issues, even on binary systems. Actually you could even have issues with the first party packages if they're installed in separate independent steps.