I forced myself to break away and lightly customize a stock ROM made for a provider. It is the only stock ROM that has stagefright fix which is way cool, and a few other usabililty fixes as well. Must allow security update to patch, it helps correct a few wee bugs.
The big issue... you are forced to keep a new boot loader, and cannot revert to any previous Stock ROM, and must deal with boot loader compatibilities unknown by builders as they have stopped with any new builds .
Downside, the new bootloader effects various Root functions. But newer Super Su, Boeffla utility, and other updated older Xposed modules seem to help with the new boot loader. Plus Default Apps no longer lists, but they can be managed through App Manager.
A custom SecSettings from a Note 2 (S5 varient) will bring back the Default Apps function plus many hidden settings options built in thus latest OEM build.
So, if you want all the bells and whistles, you will have to deal with the bugs, no matter how big or how small.
Now to explain what features I had with Gnabo v8 SE that I don't miss at all.
Mag UX, Tab Keyboard, Spen Air Command, 160dpi, Multi boot menu, and enhanced wallpaper picker.
Features I have and use, and are bug free but need a system UI to use them... tested with a custom Note 2 Secsettings that has some issues because it is a S5 variant and made for Note 2 specifically.
Colorblind, Interaction Control, Face Lock (came with my OEM build), Grey Scale (built in partially with new build, but S3 neo System UI is the key), Apps from a broken and defunct custom ROM for the N5110, Quick Connect 1.6.5.
My issues are minimal, but seem to be plagued by the new boot loader more than the ported apps.
Miracast works best, 3 minutes after reboot. WiFi is not stable after using hooked VPN apps of any type. Disabling WiFi for a minute and re enabling corrects the issue 80% of the time. A reboot may need to be done if WiFi is buggy. Reboots are 75% trouble free. Sometimes you get a fast boot soon after system UI loads, sometimes you get GMS forced closes, and must reboot.
It may be because of Triangle Away not being upgraded to work with newer boot loaders, or SU still needs some tweaks to work around the latest build by Samsung.
If I were stubborn I would stick with Gnabo v8 SE and it's patches and run Boeffla kernel, and just deal with 160dpi. But I am comfy with what I did even though the 75% boot issues and Miracast functionality being effected by WiFi with VPN apps.
I have given options for assistance by ROM builders in copying my ROM for building a unique custom one, but because I am using some apps that may be from a closed off ROM to builders, respect to the owners must be made. So it will be all for personal use at most.
