A path forward
What now? What can we plan for, ask for, hope for?
First, we might need to investigate and understand the full list of fastboot commands and how they can help us with our problem.
For instance, how fastboot oem allow-flashing works and why it works on a locked bootloader, and why it’s only on certain versions of the FP5 only (across the whole web, the only occurrences of it are about FP5).
We can ask for best practices to reduce risk of bricking while following guides.
In particular, a lot of bricking occurs between lock_critical and lock because the devices boots into system (the OS, normal reboot), whereas it should directly boot into bootloader (to go back to fastboot mode).
Systematize checking unlock_ability before locking the bootloader.
Maybe make the script check itself unlock_ability before locking? Or maybe a simple GUI companion could help?
Stay on the lookout for EDL loaders/firehose files for FP4, FP5 and FP6. These can help in the direst of situations.
Please also check out Psiko’s thoughts, some of which could sound… radical.
Let’s talk about it in the wikimetadiscussion !