I can't speak for the process for your exact model, I have a Hero myself, but as part of the rooting process I had to burn a new 'recovery image' to the device. It replaces the default firmware flash/recovery software and includes a utility to backup the NAND of the device to sdcard, which you can mount as a disk from within the recovery software, then copy off and keep to later restore your device. It also lets you easily flash firmware images straight from the sdcard.
Of course the restore is 'in principle', I've not had to do one yet, so I can't vouch for if it works. As for finding firmwares I've found the android forums on Modaco to be very helpful, and the forums for the villain rom and cyanogen mods are both great sources of info. Good luck with the upgrade :).
When you install the alternate recovery there is an option and it is highly recommended that you make a backup (in case things go bad). It will install your 2.2 unrooted with sense. Check out: gadgetsdna.com/how-to-root-and-unroot-ht... and if you have any other questions i'm a site admin on ICTDroids.Com we'll get you fixed up.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.