I found my R8000 to be very reliable for eight-plus years. Although I’ve replaced it with an OPNsense router so I can have VLAN and multiple WAN support, I still roll it out once a year to support my Twinkly holiday lights. Sorry yours had an issue.

I think the premise that there might be an obscure company leasing dark fibers to people is hopelessly optimistic.

But, the question about utility poles should be answerable at the township; they should know and have records who has been granted use of the rights-of-way along their public highways.