Almost inevitably, people building "mesh" networks do try to run IP over them, because the most common and popular applications and services are all TCP/IP based.
DIY things capable of a few hundred kbps and text only are a very niche application. "Mesh" at very low data rates and duty cycles has very good purposes when purchased in a fully packaged single purpose industrial/embedded system from a vendor with support, such as how electrical grid operators implement some forms of smart meters.
DIY things capable of a few hundred kbps and text only are a very niche application. "Mesh" at very low data rates and duty cycles has very good purposes when purchased in a fully packaged single purpose industrial/embedded system from a vendor with support, such as how electrical grid operators implement some forms of smart meters.