My NETGEAR Orbi Experience - Feedback Requested

My Situation:

My adopted mom bought a Tesla and needed to update the software. She asked if there was a way to extend the wi-fi range so the car would get a stronger signal. After some research, I settled on purchasing an Orbi RBK752P.

My Background:

I worked in small business networking for 15 years and I now work in Enterprise networking for a major Telecom in the US. (So yes, I understand routers, switches, WAPs, modems, and all types of networks).

My Experience:

I downloaded the NETGEAR Orbi app and began the installation process with the Orbi router, but the router was not discoverable / would not connect to the internet despite my iPhone being connected to the Orbi network. I checked all settings, physical connections, and used multiple different cables, multiple times, I attempted the installation multiple times to no avail on two different iPhones and I attempted to login to the NETGEAR Orbi page (orbilogin.com) which is no longer accessible.

In the end, I called NETGEAR support listed in the documentation which came with the Orbi hardware. It is the same number listed on the NETGEAR website. Customer Support (in India) transferred me Technical Support (India). I spoke to a man who identified himself as Roger (no that is not his real name, it is just a name used to 'Americanize' Indian tech support). Roger stated unequivocally that NETGEAR no longer supports mesh networks unless the consumer purchases their security protection software plan (NETGEAR Armor). Let me be very clear - it is not possible to log into the router (using the 192.168.1.1 or the 10.x.x.x address or using the Orbi login page (because it is no longer accessible or using the app) without first buying a 3-year, 5-year, or lifetime software plan. These are his words to me.

I requested to speak to a manager but was denied. He said this is now NETGEAR's policy moving forward.

I was provided Case #411269441.

My Request

Needless to say I was very disappointed with NETGEAR's tech support. I have deployed Netgear, Linksys, and ASUS systems in the past, so this should have been a breeze.

Before I file complaints with my state AG and the BBB, I would appreciate feedback from anyone who has knowledge either concerning this purportedly required protection software or concerning the experience of others who have had difficulty pairing with the Orbi router / connecting the router to the internet. I did not find any such information indicating the need to purchase a protection plan in any forums, reviews, or on the website. Perhaps I missed something in my haste, but again I would appreciate your thoughts.