But there are still several issues with Stargate, like several games not working on it and the Gateway team still hasn't updated nearly a year later. I understand your stance, but you are basically paying more for so much less. It's also worth noting that being on 11.5 doesn't solve your issues, if anything it only adds more issues as Nintendo starts adding more requirements to their games/features. You are basically setting yourself up with something that is actually more complicated than just using a CFW+R4i Gold Plus.
I've also have multiple R4i Gold (Plus) carts as well and I haven't had a single problem with any of them when it comes down to their contacts. This compared to my Ak2i which is completely unusable for me since they've all had contact issues.
I recommend the R4i Gold Plus because it's actually the best cart on the market for DS games. It runs Wood R4, which has perfect ROM compatibility, RTS, homebrew software, and so much more. This compared to the spotty ROM support and requirement to ysmenu just to bypass the timebomeb for the R4i-SDHC cart(s)
I really wouldn't suggest any product from the R4i-SDHC team. Buying their products only pays them to continue their horrible practices like the timebomb and literally making the
same cart with different price tags.