A Debian Testing user documented replacing systemd with OpenRC on their ThinkPad X13s, driven by concerns over the init system's expanding scope. The author cites discomfort with systemd integrating features like age verification and its own system installer, arguing these responsibilities exceed traditional init system boundaries.

The technical swap required special handling since apt refuses to remove essential packages. Using `sudo apt purge --allow-remove-essential systemd && sudo apt install openrc sysvinit-core` allowed the transition, though the system initially failed to boot properly. Recovery mode was necessary to reinstall OpenRC after the package was unexpectedly removed during the process.

Post-installation issues included broken battery status and audio functionality. The author converted a systemd service managing Qualcomm remote processors into an OpenRC script placed in `/etc/init.d/`, resolving the battery monitoring problem. Audio issues likely stem from missing PipeWire and WirePlumber service configurations.

While acknowledging the experiment may not become their permanent setup, the author considers it successful enough to potentially migrate their work laptop. They emphasize that changing init systems on functional Linux installations carries risks, but appreciate having alternatives within the Unix philosophy of choosing tools that work.