I have had both experiences with ⌥⌘R and IIRC the first time I used it was when I had to click on the network icon, select my network, and logon. The next time it just logged on, but I wouldn't swear to that.
Regarding Routers:
Unless you are a serious online game player with a dedicated game playing computer you are unlikely to ever use the maximum speed available
The average user will get the best experience from a router that provides low latency
The claimed range and speed of routers is measured under ideal condiitons in a lab and has little to do with real world performance
Combined router/modems generally belong to the ISP and are rented by the user, so if either side breaks the device is replaced by the ISP at no cost to the user
You seem to have a good relationship with your ISP, talk to him and see what, if anything, he has to offer. It might save headaches in the future.
If we knew what it was we were doing, it wouldn't be called research, would it?
