I'm a bit confused by the article. It starts off by trying to analyze whether or not yoon-suin is 'bad' because of 'orientalism' and then let's it off the hook because it seems to be instead inspired by western fantasy tropes which then also makes it 'bad' for another reason.

I would be really interested in an explanation of how to do this properly - creating something new that isn't western fantasy without being inspired by somewhere else or doing it respectively - is it even possible?

I'm also interested in dismissing works because they include some evil that is real in the world. In this case its a caste system. Must all societies depicted in rpgs work be wholly good - devoid of all the real evils that people and societies do?

A very interesting topic that I unfortunately don't have any good opinions on...

I just found this mentioned on the throne of salt blog shouting out a design file from Clayton Notestine. https://www.explorersdesign.com/products/classic-explorer-starter-template

From the website - it's inspired by a review of the ItO layout, but it also includes notes and tips rather than simply being a layout. There is a paid version as well.

Recommending some free game systems of some different flavors - because free is best for people who are interested in exploring OSR.

Worlds without Number (and other games from Kevin Crawford). Great free version with basically the whole rule system and some great generators. Has a bit more character creation crunch than other systems so it can be a good transition from 5e

Basic Fantasy Rpg. Retro clone with some 'modern niceties' like ascending armour class. All the rules, supplements and some great adventures are available free on their website.

Mausritter. Rules light (into the odd based) system with a pay what you want version. DnD broken down to it's simplest core where you play as cute mice adventurers.