Upgrading firmware through the web interface of a Linksys router hasn't always been there. In fact, it's a fairly recent addition, and one that is a real boon to Mac users, since Linksys never provided an FTP client for Mac OS to upload firmware; they DID direct users to a third party that supplied a Mac FTP client for free.
By the way, another advantage of using a WRT54G is the third party firmware available for it. There are TONS of options in these packages not found in Linksys' firmware that make the router even more flexible.
Mojo, I understand your frustration. I think on your first call to Linksys you got the one-out-of-ten support guy that both knew something and felt motivated to help; their first tier support folks are abysmal for EVERYBODY. And having to mix OS 9 into everything else was obviously a major hassle, no doubt about it. However, as I said earlier, you can always ask here for any help you need, or on BroadbandReports.com's Linksys forum. The only reason I've ever contacted Linksys tech support was to get a replacement power supply for my router, and that wasn't a picnic; it's easier to do that on their web site.
By the way, another advantage of using a WRT54G is the third party firmware available for it. There are TONS of options in these packages not found in Linksys' firmware that make the router even more flexible.
Mojo, I understand your frustration. I think on your first call to Linksys you got the one-out-of-ten support guy that both knew something and felt motivated to help; their first tier support folks are abysmal for EVERYBODY. And having to mix OS 9 into everything else was obviously a major hassle, no doubt about it. However, as I said earlier, you can always ask here for any help you need, or on BroadbandReports.com's Linksys forum. The only reason I've ever contacted Linksys tech support was to get a replacement power supply for my router, and that wasn't a picnic; it's easier to do that on their web site.