I can compile GTK2 with current toolchains (I have it disconnected from Arch packaging so they can't mess with it), it doesn't need a fork. I don't want updates or changes to it at all. They had me until "backporting features" from GTK3 and 4. I have no interest in resurrecting Gnome 2, near the end it got so that I didn't hate it, and could use it (e.g. Mint had a very nice Gnome2 at the time) but I wouldn't have asked for it.
I agree though, I prefer GTK2 to GTK3 (and I utterly despise GTK4 and libadwaita, I refuse to let those get on my systems again. I compile around it)
I have most certainly "revolted". I hate what they are doing nowadays and Arch is forcing changes to be compatible with current Gnome. Shit like that glycin bwrap container bullshit being set up by systemd. Not on my system you're not.