Silly Required Registration Move

Hi John,

Thanks for your response.  I did see that link before posting.  As such:

When you register your NETGEAR switch, you receive the following benefits:

• Access to local browser UI features. Unlock the full functionality of the local browser user interface.
• Quarterly security emails. Receive an email with security updates if any of your switches were affected in the previous quarter.
• Quicker access to NETGEAR support. Gain faster access to online troubleshooting and support, including warranty claims.
• NETGEAR single sign-on. Access all of your NETGEAR accounts and services with your NETGEAR SSO (single sign-on) account.
• Extended warranty. Purchase an extended warranty for your switch.
• Special offers and latest information. Sign up to receive special offers and the latest information about NETGEAR products.    

Access to local broswer UI features - THIS WAS AVAILABLE BEFORE, Netgear hobbled it by REMOVING GUI access.  Benefit?

Quarterly security emails - maybe helpful, if desired.

Quicker access to NETGEAR support - maybe helpful, if desired.

NETGEAR single sign-on - um, no. 

Extended warranty - buy more Netgear stuff.

Special offers and latest information - get more Netgear ads.

Removing the GUI is the dealbreaker, and was totally unnecessary.  It was done to encourage (read FORCE) customers into the registration program.  Since there is no CLI, there is no other way to use the equipment without signing up.  Not a good look for Netgear.