From what I can tell the quality of my VBR 218 is no worse than a usual beginner to middle-class carbon frame from a western brand. As we know a lot of western brands just sell chinese frames with their branding and why should a replica frame be worse than other open molds? The replica has the advantage of compatiblity with a lot of accessories or spare parts from the original though. Geometry and aero will often be better too.

So it depends: If you want a superbike, you'll have to pay for the original and there is a bigger difference. But if you just want some easy middle-class well performing bike, the replica can do that just fine.

I wouldn't put stickers on it too, for sure.

Did you watch the video from 24:17 ?
Most replica look the same as the real thing, but just from afar, at best they are QA rejected B or C quality bikes, or at worst just gross copies.
People selling them do not put their skin in the game like the brands that try to build their reputation and trust.

Maybe be because at some point you'll end with a very big jump.
With only 12 speed, some compromise are needed.

You could try to run a road derailleur instead.
However rear derailleur cable gets out differently on a road frame( end of the chainstay/seatstay ) than a MTB ( 3/4 of the chainstay )
An electronic transmission would be easier than trying the kind of adapters that exists for hybrid cabling.

I've yet to reach the end of an Eagle XX1.
With the first generation non Eagle XX1, I used to replace the whole transmission every 9 months.
Although I had to change the cheap Aliexpress ring on my FM936 recently, but the chains and cassette are still fine.

Two things have changed since I'm using Eagle chains on my gravel and MTBs.
I rotate 3 chains on each randomly. And hot wax them all together.
It takes about 2h of distant attention(swapping chains every 10' or so) to make 9 to 12 chains.

I started waxing when Marcin from AbsoluteBlack advised me to use squirt in an email.
And then saw the Australian youtuber hot waxing chains.

I always travel with 3 freshly waxed chains, and a small bottle of UFO drip in case of wet rides.

The nero show hosted a very interesting discussion about the replica frames with Joe from Panda Podium.


Long story short, I wouldn't descend an Alps col full speed like I love, with a replica 

...I've decided on the Carbonda FM936 (L) to be ordered soon.

One thing I really can't get figured out is wheels. I was going to go for DT 240s but the 350s are much cheaper and the only diference that I can find is ~40g on the wheel set so I'm inclined to go that way. Rims are another thing. I want carbon but the price of the usual suspects seems astronomical. I'm looking at Carbonbeam 30mm internal in AM (325g)... I'm 90kg+ so shouldn't go super light.

Did you consider the FM909 ? It has the room for two bottles, 52/52 headset, you can lock manually the shock more easily, and is UDH.
I own both, they ride almost the same but with these differences.
An advice more, take the BSA and not the BB92 model, even if not in stock it is worth the wait.

For the wheels. I never changed bearings in a DT-240 wheelset but had to in 350 ones. The 240 come with stainless bearings.
And I ride in the mud 4-5 months a year.
For the rims, you should have a look at lightbicycle.com 
Prices is one thing but you should consider the service that comes with it for all the years you'll ride with them.

In May, I'll celebrate(hopefully) the 10th year of my first 29er rims I got from them.
That will convert to be my gravel set.

There is a new model of the 80-90g full carbon saddle.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003923285995.html

The previous available came with a 1.45mm carbon sheet, while this new one is 1.75mm
Probably less prone to cracking than the previous one.

I need a non-Boost fitment for SRAM 3 bolt (0mm offset). What are my options here?

I have a Sigeyi on my MTB. XCadey is another one.
However they continuously increased their prices these last years, and I often see good deals on Quarq ones.

I took this one to have a press when not at home.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EzXDz0N

It is ok, has everything but the DUB size.