I still prefer the Texas Instruments approach starting with the BeagleBoard by offering the SoC to the market. I understand that RPi is subsidized but it also limits the use cases in commercial appliances besides the compute module.
Beagleboard is a traditional EVK that companies like TI have been making for years.
The only difference is that the boards have become a lot more affordable. The eval boards for TI DSPs like 32010, DaVinci, and Hollywood cost thousands. PandaBoard (OMAP) was hundreds.
RPI is good in terms of the ecosystem and software packages more like Apple, modified from Linux something is the close source.
The downside of the compute module is the bulky unreliable connector, form of factor.
Arducam's SOM3 seems like an alternate solution to CM3, Keeping the minimum magic parts from RPI, and allows you to maximize your design capabilities. It also simplifies the design as well (2 layers PCB).
Unfortunately, it looks like they have a problem getting it into mass production, and you have to contact them for such customization services.
And they minified the first-gen RPi too.
