I'd go even further: We pick some basic set of specs, a processor, and run the whole thing on FPGAs so we control all the circuits and can always make an ASIC

I'd go even further: We pick some basic set of specs, a processor, and run the whole thing on FPGAs so we control all the circuits and can always make an ASIC if we want. Full control, full power. Like what if MiSTer was considered a valid target for productivity software? Like we agree to go back to nothing and build the whole thing. Graphics drivers a problem? Design a new graphics system, all open. Would it be current? No. But it would be really open, and easy to develop for.