b112 wrote a substantial comment already, but I'll give a single line summary: yes, systemd changed how I manage my systems, but it didn't bring in speed, safe

b112 wrote a substantial comment already, but I'll give a single line summary: yes, systemd changed how I manage my systems, but it didn't bring in speed, safety or integration I didn't have before them. Moreover, they brought out secure-boot related shenanigans in house and integrated to everything it touches. Before that the line was drawn at the bootloader.