Aren't there multiple companies using the R4 name, kind of like Ray's Pizza? The R4 name has a long history, and I'm sure cart makers are simply using the name to add credibility to their particular business, but I rather trust a company that makes their own history than simply borrow it. But then again, without all these R4 companies, Nintendo would focus their attack on the innovation "smaller" companies.
You are correct. The original R4 team died several years ago, and back then, their cartridge was actually a great piece of hardware. Nowadays, there's a billion different clones hopping on the name train, making it hard to make a decision.