I had the same perspective, until I learned that the range extenders also amplify the z-wave signal. Adding 3 range extenders has made both my Schlage locks (BE469, FE599) super reliable, by the following criteria:
- They haven't dropped off the z-wave network.
- Refreshes by Reliable Locks absolutely do not fail.
- Adding/deleting lock codes works reliably every single time. I can run RM automations based on lock codes
- I could unpair/re-pair the FE599 without moving the hub to be close to it. That never worked before.
