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FYI: the domain blocking worked. Manually downloading the update was stuck every time I tried and would not start until a few seconds after I removed the block on those domains in my router.

I'm back because I decided to pull the trigger on 11.2.6. Lots of people report no problem with it and Meltdown/Spectre is too much of a risk.

I have no battery life or performance issues whatsoever. It is as if nothing changed.

Also, it feels like a new phone! The reduction in duration of animations for unlocking, app launching/switching and back to home screen make it even more snappy. Wi-Fi and mobile data have changed positions. It's Wi-Fi that you have to go into Settings to truly turn off. Mobile data now has the most convenience.
 
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