The way I interpreted the article, you aren't amplifying the signal but transferring it. Same as store and forward. I think that implies that degradation is not a problem as long as the new photon profile was a match. The real problem is matching the profile which they only managed at 10 meters.
It's got a great cast with supurb acting. The script is easily one of the tightest ever written. Every line is important to the overall story. And it's just fun to watch.
I have an Ionic 6. The main battery keeps the 12 volt properly charged while parked. It doesn't just let it die.