Same here.

I used it from 2001 - 2005 IIRC. Looking how a system gets build from the start, and being able to change the code of what you are installing (not to mention CFLAGS and friends) , and how various components of userspace interact between them, and with the kernel is some learning you keep with you. Building a kernel was easy in this regard.

The only thing that stopped me was the time needed to install a system,IIRC the first two days needed a lot of patience. The rest was a joy. But what I always missed from when I left Gentoo, besides the flexibility, was the rolling part.

ATM I just moved to tumbleweed for this reason, and it is amazing. Though, if there is a way to have a quick and functioning install of gentoo, allowing to have a useable system, then gradually building the whole as time allows, I would love to get back to it. I know, i need to make my own research here though :)

BTW, thanks to all the Gentoo contributors.