The release also means the end of life for 1.17, which went to GA in AKS in July 2020 after its upstream release in December 2019.
Not picking on Microsoft specifically here, the schedule is determined by the parent project, but...
What a load of self-serving, egotistical claptrap.
I get it, you're developing Kubernetes, you think it's the best thing since sliced bread, you're excited about the latest features you can add to improve it.
In actual use however, it is one of hundreds of systems that have to be integrated and maintained. I don't have time to keep up with that kind of schedule for just one system. Why should I even try other than to pander to the developer's vanity?
Sorry but that kind of cadence just writes it off for production use. It's nothing more than a toy.