No, I don't think it is legal. The advantages are usually the original Samsung firmware (faster) and various other bits and pieces such as new menu icons, new startup/shutdown animations etc...

I don't personally see the point in flashing to be honest. I mean, even if your phone IS branded then it's not that bigger deal - unless they disable the mp3 ringtone feature or something. You also need the right cables, software, knowledge and the rest.

My advice: Don't try it unless you REALLY know what your doing. Like you said, many people have messed up their phones by doing this. That's because they sometimes don't have a clue as to what they're supposed to be doing.

Your phone makes calls right? So enjoy it as it is and don't risk it all for a lousy flash... .

Is it really worth flashing a phone,i have a d500 and wonderd what the advantages of this would be,is it legal to do this,i have heard alot of people who have messed there phones up by doing this.