Yeah, The removal of the GM programming and then the replacement of the factory logos was a Ouch, but I think that System Optimization update was a big red flag turn off to me with no provided cut and dry instruction on how create or even purchase a software backup of older system or scan folder software as well as the option for internet challenged folk to buy the update and get restore software in their language on a ready to go SD card or USB stick. Just have to assume that older software versions offered more OE functionality that Autel can no longer just copy and provide for users legally without incurring heavy licensing expenses. The Engineers are hard at work triing to create convoluted work around that seem to be hit or miss. Before support disappeared from this forum , the solution more often then not was to delete and re download the software all over again from a busy hit or miss server.
It's a shame that the trust factor is so low that 30 days before your free update period is over, you don't want to risk downloading a bad update for anything, especially doing a system update , because you might be SOL to get tech support to acknowledge and repair the issue within 30 days before your sub is expired. It's bad enough turning off the WIFI to DS708 after update period is up to prevent software mysteriously getting corrupted, but turning off the WIFI Internet access to a Maxi SYS is a real loss of convenience, but seems to be a necessity to play it safe if you want to continue using with the older software that is probably illegal to use any longer, and if your tool connects to the server and something happens under the radar after you are expired , next day, or next month it might not want boot right or you won't have authorization to access the scan file.