But then why should I prefer Netgear over some Chinese no-name device that costs a fraction and does exactly the same while also never getting updates? Where does that extra money go to? But like op said, nowadays I just check OpenWRT compatibility when it comes to buying a home router, a well supported device usually receives updates for a good decade.

(Anecdotally I've had three Netgear devices in my life and all of them caused severe problems. Enough for me to have them on my personal blacklist for life.)