As long as your bootloader is okay this problem should be solvable...
I think you current tp link header is erased and you have to use a image with a modified header.
Checkout this: Can't get my archer c7 unbricked.. been trying all weekend
PS: The wireless driver is almost the same as on ar71xx for ath79. My devices have uptimes of five days and more until i do a sysyupgrade...