While D-Link released newer firmware versions (up to ME 2.x for some models), many advanced users actively or seek version 1.04 for three reasons:
In the ecosystem of consumer networking hardware, the router acts as the gateway between the home and the global internet. While modern networking has moved toward mesh systems and Wi-Fi 6, a significant portion of the global user base relies on legacy hardware. Among these legacy devices, the D-Link DSL-2740U remains a popular workhorse in many regions, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia.