Why ~/.vst ~/.vst3 at two different hidden folder?

[khz]

Does this have a specific reason or purpose that there are two different folders?
If so, which one?
Why are not all VST (VST1/2/3) in a "~/.vst" folder?

[khz]

OK, completely different formats.
That makes sense then. THX4feedback
VST1/VST2 is based on the ~1996 code, not bad. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Studio_Technology

LV2 is more modern than VST1/VST2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LV2

[khz]

Do the different plugin formats have to be in their own "~/.folder"?
Or: Can I create a "~/.plugin" folder and tell the program that all my /home plugins (VST/VST3/LV2/...) are there?
Or is that not good for the plugin's/DAW's/...?

[Lyberta]

Do the different plugin formats have to be in their own "~/.folder"?
Or: Can I create a "~/.plugin" folder and tell the program that all my /home plugins (VST/VST3/LV2/...) are there?
Or is that not good for the plugin's/DAW's/...?

In theory host can try to probe the format using dlsym() but I think people decided against that.

[khz]

As a musician/user it would be nice to have only one hidden folder for all my plugins.

But even with ~3 hidden folders it is clearly/unambiguously regulated, one must just pay attention to copy the respective plugin into the correct folder.