With the support of MacOS Ventura likely ending this year, what can be done with an old MacBook Pro 2017?

As far as I know there are four options available: 1. continue using the old unsupported MacOS, 2. downloading a newer MacOS through Open Core Legacy Patcher, 3. downloading Linux, 4. and working on the MacBook through a Virtual Machine. However… * I have read that using an old MacOS is unsafe (Is it really if you just browse reputable sites through FireFox and only download items from reputable sources?), * I don’t know if OCLP is compatible with real software (apps from AppStore or from a recognized 3rd party like AutoCAD), * there are issues with Linux lacking drivers for newer Macs and non existent power management, * and what is the performance like working on a Mac through a VM? The hardware still works and the battery health is *Normal*, so I don’t feel like there’s a reason to upgrade.