If anyone else feels like some of the instructions here and on XDA are a bit over their head, here's a great resource. It's step by step instructions (very simply written) for almost anything (how to root, how to do Nandroid backup, how to load new ROM, how to load new Kernel, how to use A2SD, etc). Much of it is probably copied/edited from various posts here and on XDA... but it's a nice resource, written simply, all in one place. I've found it very helpful - hopefully you will too!
Take control of your HTC CDMA HERO - xda-developers
Take control of your HTC CDMA HERO - xda-developers