One of my Next SL sets has just gone back because the pedal insert has started to loosen. I only just bought the 2nd set for my other bike after the first set seemed to have done really well for just over a year of use. That cursed them, didn’t it?! They feel amazing though. Hope they warranty them. Still a PITA though.
I fitted my old SLX cranks back on the bike (plus the necessary BB change) and there’s nothing quite like a Shimano crank install. Bike does feel a chunk heavier but at least it’s safe to ride now and with “up to 30 days” for them to look at em… glad I didn’t sell the SLXs now.
I had a mare getting the Next SL off. It’s probably worth loosening and tightening the drive side arm every two months to stop it seizing (even though I grease everything really well). It’s easy enough when it works and a damn sight better than old RF stuff to fit and remove.
If I had my money back for the Next SL instead of a replacement… I’d probably look at XTR again. Even if it’s heavier the Shimano install / removal is just bliss.