hi @frank
In my position it would not be ok to answer you if it is worth, due to my obvious bias.
But what I can tell is that the project is very much alive and there are a lot of cool things lined up for release. 1.14 is about to go stable (New Build => MOD OS 1.14 RC5 (build 3367) and I am already discussing 1.15 with the Starless folks.
You can read more about the latest changes to the dynamics of the platform here: Starless, a community-built OS for the MOD Dwarf. - MOD Audio website
And if you’re into AI assisted coding, the Plugin Cookbook is surely something you’ll enjoy.
Regarding obsolesce, the device - as you said yourself - ir quite future proof. The latest added support for NAM A2 Lite - even on the10-year-old MOD Duo - is living proof of that. The Dwarf CPU can handle a chain of effects that is enough for most people.
I am not sure I understand your note about recompiling plugins for the MOD Desktop. A new release was made recently and it includes more than 100 new plugins.
I’ll leave to the community members to tell you whether buying a Dwarf is worth or not 
Welcome to the community!
Gianfranco, aka The MOD Father