What would pretty much solve the init issue is if the empeg guys included preinit in the distribution.

But wouldn't they be loath to do that, because if preinit could execute arbitrary code from one of the drives that doesn't get wiped on a .upgrade, then you could theoretically render your player unbootable in a way that .upgrade wouldn't fix? A builder image would, but a regular .upgrade wouldn't.

Empeg guys, any of you listening here? Got any ideas?