[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] VenomousViper:
an updated method/step by step procedure "how to root" IS really needed.

(Sorry but this is NOT directed at you i am simply quoting to prove a point)

This is something I have had an issue with as well. Despite how easy it might be for most not everyone catches on as quickly because of common misconceptions or how they might perceive the information because everyones mind works differently. I have used the CF root method and it is NOT the best method to use considering even after I used it i still had NO root. Top that off and add the fact that i even downgraded the version I had several times and i have searched countless times how to do a manual root and just havent had the time to complete a full root. Not everyone has the option to tinker all day (not saying that you do) to understand or figure it out IE real life - kids work school etc. what ever the case is. I have flashed a bootloader several times after establishing root to do nandroid backups/iso imgs and actually completed several come to find out that for some reason my Root did not stick at all when i had thought it did and i followed everything many times step by step to no avail achieve a permanent root. There is a problem with the process and I am sorry but everyone else that has gotten root is just fortunate the latest update has really put a damper on doing root the way it is described and is NOT current to fit everyones needs ATM. I am sure there are MANY others like the OP myself and others that are having the SAME EXACT ISSUE. I am not new to ADB and have been rooting my phones since the HTC came out with the original Supersonic Evo 4G using the ADB method and some people without providing any options just have to think that because some of us are having problems that we (or I) are not "intelligent" enough to figure it out and i have worked with computers since windows for workgroups 3.11 and construct my own Gaming RIGs, Servers, Laptops (and phones recently as of the last 2+ years) never having any issues because its just second nature to me at times with PCs and Laptops. Phones on the other hand are much more complicated because of incompatibility issues with OTA updates from the manufactures and cellular service providers either because they dont want people messing with their brands and wish to be a pain in the butt for whatever the reason, financial or whatnot. I am seeing it ALL over XDA for Sprint Users mostly since thats where i am confining my search patterns. I am actually going through ADB to manually archive root because im tired of searching through countless postings to find nothing on the subject and do not enjoy the dumb comments people think they have to leave on my post and others posters. Im sure im going to get a stupid comment or a flame of some type because even when im just "venting" at my frustrations as im sure everyone does from time to time no one enjoys being messed with when they are already pissed off and frustrated that just makes matters worse for the OP and the community. Eventually the problem works itself out, but c'mon people, seriously not everyone gets to have the opportunity to get the root achieved right because of the stupid OTAs released time and time again that make the latest root option obsolete because thats what it IS RIGHT NOW OBSOLETE. It is being a pain in my ass because KNOX was tripped with a custom rom and even though the custom ROM sticked the ROOT DID NOT. they (cell manufactures or providers) prevent rooting in the first place by ADDING additional roadblocks in OTAs just to slow down/prevent users or people that enjoy the ability of having the option to use root to their technical advantages (because they lose money, which really is more profit on top of original costs inflated to a ridiculous amounts not fair to consumers). Even with development, future development, paying employees, etc. its not even close to being fairly priced market for consumers and already the rate are increasing at a rate to costly and unfair to consumers with little to no option of maxing the potential life of a product. I dont know about everyone but not all can afford to keep updated with the latest gear. We have great developers that probably get no where NEAR the amount of donations that they SHOULD be receiving to keep up when they are devoting their own personal time and currency to making apps and ROMs but the fact remains that it is easier for a huge company to crank out software because they PAY people to do it knowing that freeware developers are not going to have the time or resources to keep up. If anyone knows of an updated method or a manual method to root or another option the help is very much appreciated by myself others and the OP. Thank you to the people that have taken the time to help everyone else in a positive manor.