I was given an electric mower with a battery that lasts just long enough for me to complete mowing the lawn before it dies. If I dilly dally with it on a specific area for 10+ minutes then theres a chance it'll die before I complete the total lawn. It's a bit of a rush to get the lawn done but whatever works to get the job done.

Those robot mowers look cool but they do seem finicky. If your neighbors are still having to adjust it after so many sessions then its no different than giving the mowing task to a rebellious teenager. They'll do the bare minimum but will have to go back to get the missed spots.

An interesting story! Hopefully your new mower does a satisfactory job and you can enjoy the yard results in peace.