Originally Posted by
richarddd
2) I've never used third party firmware, so I don't really know what it would do for me.
One of the better stock long range routers is the TP-Link TL-WR1043ND, and if you're not keen to "fiddle" then it's a serious bang/$ device.
However to confuse you further

- add
openwrt to your firmware options...it can be used on a number of devices (including the TP-Link) which you wouldn't normally consider as candidates for modification.