Replacing mini-pci express adapter in T60

I was hoping to replace the Intel 3945ABG mini-pci express adapter in my T60 with an Atheros based adapter, so as to realize 108Mbps networking rates (proprietary , non-standard extensions, I know. But it really works.)

After quite a search I did find an Atheros mini-pci express and popped it in, but the T60 BIOS seems to search for the specific card. It reports an Error 1802 at POST, saying an unauthorized networking device was found, and it refuses to boot the OS. I found that the 1802 is nothing new to Thinkpads, and they have been doing this for quite some time. ANd that some clever people had developed a Linux based boot utility to re-write the EPROM on a potential replacement card, to fake out the BIOS.

However, it doesn't appear this EPROM trick works with this new class of Atheros mini-pci express adapters. And even if it does, if I understand it right, I'd have to find a machine that doesn't prevent the POST, and install the adapter temporarily there to rewrite the EPROM. Unfortunately I dont have access to another machine with mini-pci express slot.

Has anyone else had success in swapping in another mini-pci express adapter in a T60 ? Anyone know a supplier who might have Atheros based adapters that have the EPROM already overwritten to fake out this check ?

I really don't understand the rationale in preventing one from swapping the device if they choose to. I fully understand that its not something they would support and I wouldn't expect them to, but why go to the extent of actually preventing it ? I bought the Intel card from them already afterall.