The "EX4 to MQ4 Decompiler Freeware (Build 405095)" raises massive red flags. The build number does not align with the known history of MetaTrader 4, and the existence of a truly free, working decompiler for modern files contradicts the current reality of MQL4 encryption.
The glowing text on the monitor felt like a siren song to Elias:
Decompiling an EA that you did not write is often a violation of the developer’s copyright and the terms of service of the MQL5 Marketplace.
do exist for educational/backup purposes (e.g., ex4-to-mq4 tools from various sources), but they are often unreliable, outdated, or may contain malware. The number "405095" doesn't correspond to any known legitimate version I'm aware of.
Legal and ethical dimensions