Actually software which edits animated GIFs doesn't have to crash per se, it's all about how smartly it's implemented, and because GIF editing isn't exactly a sprawling industry, most apps tend to be, well, not that smart, and so edge cases can get them.
Formats don't have to be fully implemented to their original spec for all time. If it's not serving us well today then we can change how our software uses it.
If the goal is to stop obscene memory and bandwidth bloat then changing the default to a click-to-play/load would be better. My thinking is too change the incentives so producers aren't exploiting an old format to force autoplay at the expense of wasted resources and user control.
Actually software which edits animated GIFs doesn't have to crash per se, it's all about how smartly it's implemented, and because GIF editing isn't exactly a sprawling industry, most apps tend to be, well, not that smart, and so edge cases can get them.