Version directly addressed these pain points. Here is what the update log quietly fixed:
If you have a legal license and access to this version, keep a backup. While Adobe pushes ever forward toward AI-driven design, there is profound value in a tool that simply does exactly what you ask it to—no cloud, no generative distractions, just the Pen tool, the Pathfinder, and an infinite canvas. Adobe-Illustrator-2021-25.4.1.dmg
Is it worth sticking with 25.4.1 today? That depends on your needs. Version directly addressed these pain points
Illustrator 25.4.1- Multiple bug fixes and stability enhancements no generative distractions