…with crypto-locked bootloaders/ECMs/tractors to make sure none of the serfs threaten the king’s power with digital pitchforks.

Assuming they keep the upstream pronunciation theory, I think it would be: fringe-n-x

Making humongous wooden bearings?

Abducted.

The ability to financially support those one would leech off of (both bandwidth & sourcing)… Nothing mandatory, but perhaps being able to post a bounty for particular hard-to-find material, or for someone to seed a dead torrent.

Pretty much anything from protectli. Very flexible.