The neighbors I do connect to have given me permission when I secured their networks for them . I have upgraded 3 other linksys routers with no problem. I have read about people bricking routers, but I think it's mostly not taking the time to read through enough resources. A few sources had the old or outdated instructions.

I agree if you don't know what you are doing you need to either not do it or be prepared to waste $60(cost of the router)