Welcome.. it sure seems like a gamble with all fires/recalls/motor issues. Just make sure you have a great warranty if you go that route, along with a good service department just in case!
Welcome! This should help you out:
https://www.ecodieselram.com/forum/threads/engine-block-heater.407/
Also, this one from Amazon works:
https://www.amazon.com/Kats-28500-Gauge-Straight-Replacement/dp/B000I8VLF2/
Everything you said is 100% true! Now that they have competition with Ford and GM offering a half-ton diesel, I'm afraid the EcoDiesel market share will slip with the bad (but true) rep it's getting out there. Not to mention the fires, we see at least 1 a week burn down now.
The encryption on the ECM's are getting tough as Manufactures are leaning toward OTA updates (Over the Air) to avoid to having the customer come in to the dealer for quick updates. It's getting super secure for obvious reasons, as you don't want someone to be able to update your ECM at will...