If this proves to be reliable, then it will be just another proof that it is a better idea to stay away from 1st (or even 2nd) Generations of any Apple product. I could make an arm’s long list, but to make a just a few examples: 1st Gen 15” Retina MacBook Pro Mid-2012 / Early-2013 - GPU Problems, 1st Gen MacBook Air - messy internal arrangement, low performance and overheating, 1st Gen iPad, 1st Gen iPhone, 1st Gen Apple Watch. In all these products and many more, it is better to wait 1.5 or 2 years for an update that is “reliable”, more powerful and what not.

Another disposable product from Apple, if it ever goes wrong, that is =)

I am not surpised

I would edit the part "Pay for the upgrade now, or be stuck with 8 GB forever. There is no chance of upgrade."

It should rather say "There is no chance of upgrade FOR THE ORDINARY PEOPLE OUT THERE."

I don't know how skilled at soldering technicians you have in the US, but from where I come from (Czech Republic), I work with a guy who can do wonders, and that includes upgrading, usually the 2012 15" Retina Macbooks Pro from 8GB Ram to 16GB ram.

And if there's something this guy can't do, then he has his Polish friends who can resurrect computers that 99.9% technicians out there would consider unrepairable, dead, useless weight.

I wish I had their skills. I guess there's a long way ahead of me

I removed the display assembly even without removing the fan or the Logic Board. I don't see why it's necessary =)