If Apache Foundation is where open source projects go to die ...

I can't think of a better place for longevity of open source projects than Apache (maybe I'm out of the loop?).

Compare it to the Linux Foundation where everything is a single commercial vendor sponsored project. At lease Apache requires independent governance and a diverse ecosystem before the project graduates.

Am I missing something with the Apache Foundation?

No, you're right. That's why I said it's a bit unfair to say that. But that's the meme.