I've been building my own pvr's for probably 15 years. I never found it necessary to go beyond 3 tuners. I've been completely commercial free for beyond 5 years. It's almost like extending your lifespan the time you get back
Having a whole house setup that gives you the same experience in every room, complete with watched/unwatched status is the cats ass too.
IMO, cable company provided pvr's are too restrictive and dumbed down.
But, they are completely set and forget and are a cost and not a hobby.