Yup, used windows method with goldcard first. Worked right away.

Looks like issue is with the Asian ( HK, SG and India) handsets (might be with others but cant confirm myself ). Even though these are unbranded and unlocked, they wont root without goldcard.

After "42 custom id check fail" error in step 1, it basically does not continue to unzip and flush the files as it should. The step 1 method complete message is shows as its there in the bat file but that step actually does not complete as it should. You dont see that green progress bar and its all over in 1-2 mins. Many people seems to think they have successfully completed step one and when they proceed to step 2, it gives that "device not found" error and hence it confuses people. It confused me as well for a while.

Hope this helps others who are stuck to root and flash their devices.
Once rooted, flashing to custom roms was as usual.