My PBP starts up like a 1977 Chevy Nova

[rotwang]

FWIW, I agree with your assessment of PINE64.

I know you have a bad taste in your mouth (and rightfully so, IMO), but at least you have a working unit now.  Hopefully eventually the enjoyment of a (now) working unit lessens the bad taste somewhat.

I really hope that they can continue to improve in some of these areas, as there is really no one else making any hardware quite like they are.  Maybe I am deluding myself but like Mulder's famous poster, I WANT TO BELIEVE. 

I suppose you may have learned a few things along the way as well (or maybe just more wishful thinking on my part).  Anyway, glad to hear it's working finally.

Hey, a little sympathy lessons the bad taste even more than the working unit. Thanks for that!
I want to believe too, I haven't stopped buying hardware yet!