The problem seems to be resolved starting in version v4.7dev2 of esptool. More specifically, the fix seems to be in commit 3f2dc6 (2023-09-27).
Issue can be closed.
Thanks to the team!

Hi, I pulled tag 4.5.1 (confirmed by git describe) and confirmed I was running the right version. However I still see the same problem. I erased the flash, and could run commands with the stub. But once I installed Micropython (USB version) I have to use --no-stub. (esp_venv) $ esptool.py --port /de...

Got it. That's great. Let me know if I can be of assistance.
JF

Thanks for the reply and I'm happy the issue could be replicated. This seems to be issue/ticket material. Is there issue I can follow or should I open one on esp-idf GitHub?

I use the Micropython image esp32c3-usb-20220618-v1.19.1.bin. I flash the ESP32-C3 with: esptool.py --port /dev/ttyACM0 write_flash -z 0x0 esp32c3-usb-20220618-v1.19.1.bin Edit: I discovered that if I disable transmission compression (-z), I then can use the --no-stub option and then I gen no error....

Hello, I testing a ESP32-C3 on a AI Thinker ESP-C3-13 on a custom board using the native USB Serial/JTAG port and I am puzzled by the following behavior: If the USB version of micropython for the C3 is loaded in flash, I can't seem to be able to use stub-based command of esptool.py unless I physical...