[jmvalin]

Like many other audio codecs, Opus lets the encoder decide how to spend the bits is has -- on what frame and on what frequency bands. On top of that is has a few special features that also require decisions from the encoder. So while the decoder doesn't change, the encoder can be improved to make better decisions. While the format itself is not perfect, I have not come across any particular thing that would be worth breaking compatibility over. I prefer working within the constraints of the bitstream to keep improving the quality.