It depends if you are using extras-testing, if you are using only extras then "theoretically" you shouldn't need to re-flash. (I'm sure sometime an app will sneak through that will cause issues, but I'm hopeful that the new policy for promoting through extras-devel -> extras-testing -> extras will make this a rarity)

If you are using extras-testing, it's probably a good idea - but again only if you notice issues. This isn't windows ;-)

And most importantly BACKUP! BACKUP! BACKUP!

Personally I think I will probably re-flash when the apps I need are all promoted to extras and there is a new firmware release, I'm hoping then not to need to re-flash, unless some dodgy app written by an idiot flattens my device (that will be me then)

Shouldn't it just work right out of the box?

If you install applications from testing and development?
The answer is yes they should, and most developers will try to make that aim. But to give a guarantee that it will always work?

The purpose of most devel repo's is to allow early testing, and it's pretty much accepted if you go down this road (on any platform) you are likely to hose your install and need to do a fresh one at some point.

testing is designed for UAT/QA testing and whilst packages there shouldn't hose your device, you still should be prepared for it.

packages in extras shouldn't need a re-flash, but as with all platforms and all systems, no testing system is 100% perfect - otherwise there would be no need for ticketing and bug systems.

is this myth confirm, plausible or busted?

I think it is pretty much confirmed that the reboot-bug can corrupt the file system. Also, after 17 random reboots in a row, the N900 is a brick and needs reflashing.

However, the myth that reflashing will solve random reboots is pretty much busted, at least untill a new FW is available. There are some rumors that Flashing with UK FW will somehow solve rebooting issues, but as of now this is a rumor, and I doubt it will fix anything.

Please search for and read the bug report regarding this.

Totally pointless unless...

a. You're having problems.
b. You use a lot of software from the testing or development repos.
c. You just get a kick out of having to redo all your customized setup.

None of those apply to me. So unless something changes I'll probably never reflash as long as I use the N900. I got one of the 1st G1s, used the heck out of it and have still never reflashed it. It runs like new. I reinstall my linux desktop only every few years and may not reinstall linux 'til the distro's EOL in 2014. Even with Windoze I almost never reinstall the OS for the life of a machine. I have one 8-year-old Win2000Pro machine in our office still running the original install perfectly. Some maintenance, common sense and if necessary, a little trouble-shooting can save a lot of setup time.

UK FW user here... I`ve used my N900 for 2 weeks now and its been flawless so far.

Just for clarity - do you reflash the same version or do you use a newer build? What version?

Also, no flash for me. My N900 is perfect, I have no intention of doing stuff to it as long as it's fine.

My N900 works fine, no reboots or anything except this damn battery problem. I have to charge it twice or thrice, if it is used extensively like using internet and phone calls. should I reflash it? is there a way to save all the conversations and contacts from n900? i don't want to edit all my contacts again after reflashing because it's a pain... also I have like more 2, 3 numbers under one contact.

any advice?