I've finally got the heart to root my Hero. I used the one click method by looking at videos from unlockr and xda sites. I decided to go with the new Gumbo Rom by gbhil @ Android Central Forum. Now I'm cookin with Gumbo and my hero is humming. No force closures or errors.
How To: Root Your HTC Hero in One Click! | The Unlockr
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=584029
[HERO ROM] Gumbo ROM project - in Beta - Android Central Forums
How To: Root Your HTC Hero in One Click! | The Unlockr
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=584029
[HERO ROM] Gumbo ROM project - in Beta - Android Central Forums