So for the smost part the FW upgrade from 1.03->1.04 was easy. The uploaded config that was saved earlier, loaded with no errors and all of my config was correct. This was the main router that supplied,
1) 3 LAN desktops
2) 4 Bridged Linksys routers
3) 4 DLink wireless cams, wirelessly connected to the Linksys routers
4) Ipad 3
5) Iphone 5 (6.1 FW)
6) Wireless thermostat

7) XBOX slim

(2) 50" Plasmas
9) Toshiba Laptop 5GHZ
Before the 1.04 update the router ran solid. My only complaint in my case was the 5GHZ wireless was weak in far reaches of my house.....actually it sucked, 2.4 was much better. After the 1.04 update I was hoping for better wireless..... unfortunately it's the same.
I actually picked up 2 weeks ago the DIR 865-L and the wireless is by far better than the 857. No question the power amps in the 865-L has boosted the signal strength and it reaches to the far corners of my house. much better.
The 857 is a great router may have to use this in bridge mode somewhere in the chain of wireless ocean