I don't know which particular "9000 series" you're referring to, but C9K (which the article refers to) isn't EOL. It should be straightforward to get parts for

I don't know which particular "9000 series" you're referring to, but C9K (which the article refers to) isn't EOL. It should be straightforward to get parts for these, via multiple channels. The deployment model for grey market bit is usually on networks that run on cheap models. They'll do things like buy one of the devices through white channel market and get SW access. Then, they'll turn around and buy a bunch more grey channel devices and use the SW access to upgrade, etc. As long as the device can handle the PPS and bitrates needed, its good enough for these networks. If it dies, buy another one and let it hang until it gets replaced. There are plenty of networks that just don't care about the operational issues.. and they love to keep cisco because of talent pipeline and training ecosystem. Anyway, running equipment without vendor support is fine. If its a config issue, the docs are okay. If it is a bug, 9 times out of 10 TAC throws a random bug ID and tells you to upgrade. Naturally, It becomes an issue more when you run on the periphery of what is supported.