Usually the only thing required to get a device on the supported list is an active maintainer that can support that device and do the work for the build files,

Usually the only thing required to get a device on the supported list is an active maintainer that can support that device and do the work for the build files, etc. And I'd say usually when a device is removed like this, it's not usually technical- it's because the maintainer(s) got a new phone / new job / new whatever and can't maintain the build target any longer. Basically, what I'm saying is if it matters that much to you, step up and be a maintainer. If not, don't. I know it sucks, but there's not really much of an alternative here.