I really think [maybe i just hope] that this is just another 'cock-up' by Garmin in a long line of half-baked firmwares for outdoor devices. If so, this time it's a dilly and some software engineers from the boss down to the guy who approved it's release needs to have their backsides kicked hard.

If it's actually an attempt to improve the gma protection to close the unofficially unlocked maps loophole that has unintentionally caught garmin-compatible free maps and even their own legitimately purchased products in the net then their aim is legitimate but the results are not, and again backsides should be kicked. If however it's as X-trail muses and they are intentional trying to lock-out all but their own 'legit' products then they deserve the inevitable back-lash when it comes.