MAin reason why they have added this new m3u method is because ever since the beginning of this iptv service, they have received requests for this. Those requests never stopped.
Playlist, m3u opens up a whole world of possibilities that can be done with your code or codes.
STB Emulation was recomended because at the time that was all there was unless you had a dedicated box, like a Mag or an Avov.
That emulator was created so people did not have to run out and buy a new box, one of these boxes, in order to use the service.
People should never recomend on what another person should use because there is always back lash about it somewhere or sometime, eventually.
I try to never do that personally.
The service has always stuck by their main recomendation and that is the Mag receiver with built in Stalker Middleware (no Kodi)
My first was a Mag 254 and it still is working fine, thru Stalker Middleware
My second box which was an avov is still working fine thru TvOnline Stalker Middleware application.
Then more avovs and then the dreamlink T1 .... which all are working fine to this day.
Still working...
-Mag 254 thru Middleware or thru m3u Playlists - check
-Avovs thru TvOnline Stalker Middleware and thru Simple iptv Playlists - check
-Dreamlink T6 - thru at first the STB emulator and then later thru Kodi and Playlist Loader - check (but it's days are numbered)
-Dreamlink T1 - thru dreamOnline Stalker Middleware application - check
-All the Playlist methods thru multiple boxes and thru my Laptop - check
-Have used Stalker applications thru Kodi and other android boxes, but never really liked that method much and I always seem to come back to my Mag for iptv services - check
I understand the frustration. I also unddertsand that this should not be that difficult.
I am just giving my view on what has been experienced here, over the few years that NFPS has switched to iptv service.
Do not ever count out that some issues are not service related and could very well be ISP related or networking related.
Not saying that the service is perfect, cause it is not.