Upgrading A New RT-AX86U to Merlin FW

[W3Wilkes]

I was once in the camp of 'test with stock first', but in the whole time I've been using RMerlin firmware, I haven't needed to use stock over his firmware, even once. Even for the simplest network configurations and with minimal features/options and scripts enabled/running.

My very first ASUS router and I jumped straight to RMerlin right out of the chute because I wanted a couple of features and here's what happened...
AX86U first time use questions | SmallNetBuilder Forums (snbforums.com)

 

[RMerlin]

The main reason for running stock firmware when setting up a brand new device is for basic testing to make sure the device isn't defective. If you encounter a weird issue, then you can go through Asus' tech support, and it will be more straightforward to diagnose a potential hardware issue and return the device for replacement with the retailer.

 

[L&LD]

My very first ASUS router and I jumped straight to RMerlin right out of the chute because I wanted a couple of features and here's what happened...
AX86U first time use questions | SmallNetBuilder Forums (snbforums.com)

Exactly! You proved my point.

If you had tested with stock firmware (extensively) you may have missed the return window (if you had one at all).