I don't agree. I didn't buy a license to use IP and I didn't agree to hand over anything beyond the transactional cost -including my network data, unless I wanted to use AiProtect. I bought a product (hardware) with clearly articulated functionality and fitness for use that required no further concessions or additional payment. It was understood that neither the HW nor the FW nor the implementation of certain functionalities -especially those related to security protocols were bug free and these contingencies are contractually required to be remedied through the provision of a "warranty" which includes updates provided until EOL.
For those "ho-hum" folks that just accept whatever is heaped on later, you're actually part of the problem.
Although this isn't an official "Asus" support channel, and Asus *might* not be reading it, potential Asus customers are. SNB is referenced multiple times on Netgear sales literature and in their marketing communication. If people read this post and as a result, realize that they have a choice, they might change their buying behavior and if enough do, the marketing & analytics team in Taipei will eventually take note of it. It's much more powerful to discuss things in full view of the public than it is in a private communication which can be capriciously ignored.
UPDATE: I returned the device to Fry's. The most compelling part of my argument was the asus.com hosted router simulator itself. From this, the experience customers have is absolutely clear. The funny thing was that I really didn't get to discuss it much. The manager at that store said that they've already seen about 30 of these come back in the last few months for this exact reason. Not as many as I would have thought, but enough to imply that people are paying attention. They've been advised (probably by their GC) to RTV purchases made less in than a year to resolve this specific complaint.
Also, the FTC has a "file" specifically for cases like this -which if it grows might eventually turn into something that gets more attention. For the moment though, there aren't enough complaints to justify doing much more than keep track of how often it's happening. Too bad. maybe people think there's nothing they can do.