Thanks
 

Many thanks everyone for your replies. It seems clear now that this idea won't work, because of the app installer not installing as root. Also I think I agree that it would be a bug if it did work - because it would create a way for a non-savvy user to trash their gadget without sufficient warnings.

(I think it would be nice if there was a way to enable root without having to reflash, but it should be strongly caveated in the UI.)

Regards,
Neil

Note that the "flashing" required to get root is not the same as re-flashing your firmware. Using the Flasher Tool, you toggle a bit within the firmware, but don't replace anything else.

Therefore, enabling R&D mode alone should not lose you any data or settings.

Cheers,

Andrew

Aha, I hadn't realized that. Thanks for making that clear.

Neil

Same goes for the famed "USB host" mode, BTW.