The odd thing is that the Feds are technically violating the DMCA by modifying the machine for a use to which it was not intended to be put by the manufacturer, no?

Consumer-grade gear is to the point commercial-grade was only 4+ years ago. I have no problems with using it in some aspects of my network, especially if it can be modified. (ie. A Linksys wireless router with DD-WRT or equivalent). Most commercial products just don't get the de-facto support offerings, or are artificially crippled so as not to steal sales from the 'better' offerings.