Run my own DHCP server with R8000 router?

ok I resolved this "problem" myself.

In fact it was NOT a problem with the Netgear router in the first place. I found out that the firewall on the machine where I was running a DHCP server was preventing the DHCP server from sending out IP address leases. I added an exception to that computer's  firewall and now things are working as I want.

So now, on my home network, DHCP and DNS services are no longer handled by this Netgear router. Lets see if that makes it more stable.

BTW, I went with OpenDNS for now, free version.

PS: It seems to me that the DNS issue may be due to overheating, but I am n ot 100% sure. Saying that because for the past 2 days, I have pointed a fan to this router........and it has not failed! Interesting! Maybe its chips need a heatsink os the heatsink needs new thermal paste (Google it).