The hack job comes from the fact that it's not universal, nor does it provide a holistic solution. It is literally a sticky plaster.

The problem is that sometimes standards are no longer fit for purpose on multiple levels. At this point, migration is required to new standards.

This does happen quite regularly. Look at IPv4 to IPv6. The change should be of the same magnitude.

We've done this before. First UUCP, then SMTP, then XYZ.