This is sort of irrelevant to whether the FM3 has some inherent issue with the USB controller. Do things break? Yes! Are you sure your car will start every time you go to drive it…No. The main thing and difference is that on the FM3 the USB controller is part of the main board which makes repair a bit more complicated and if out of warranty potentially more costly.
The important thing to gather is whether the percentage of failures is excessive. In my experience and most others the answer is no. The reason you see people crying on the net and on the forum is because replacing the main board is a bit expensive and needs to be sent for repair. Although I’m pretty certain if the FM9 or FX3 USB fails it would need to be factory repaired also. Of course on reddit you’re only going to see those who have had a problem. No one goes on reddit to say “hey, the USB on my FM3 works perfectly and has never given me a problem”. Personally I don’t go on reddit for any reason. Not the best place for solid information, IMO.
My advice is get the minimally cost extended warranty and feel good about your purchase.
Also, understand that the FM3 and FM9 are floor units which place them is situations where wear and tear on connectors is always a concern. I have multiple expensive pieces of equipment with USB connections (one costing $5,000) and unfortunately the USB physical connector spec is not the most robust design, but it serves many purposes and is ubiquitous so it’s what we have to deal with at present.
