Sorry, I can't help w/the rooting thing - never done that.
I'm totally new to Android and my Bolt is amazing! Yes, it's got things I don't like or that could be better or different (but that's my opinion remember) but I now have a phone that I can actually get ON the internet with and go from page to page with what I'd consider lightning speed -- and I don't have 4G in my area yet. It's got all kinds of customizations and apps, it's got gorgeous screen quality.
It's wayyyy better than my Storm! It's wayyyy faster than my Storm even off the Internet.
Things I don't like -- the vibration for calls/notifications etc could be much stronger - way to lightweight for my needs.
Getting used to the Android ways is a change but I'm getting there and I think that's part of the problem for me. I was so used to doing things the BB way but then when I got my BB I had to learn that, too and it was way different than all my previous dumb phones.
Fingerprints on the screen were horrendous until I got my new SGP (?) screen protector today -- fingerprints GONE
I actually can't believe a phone maker would set a phone for sale with the fingerprint problems the naked TB has. It's way beyond unacceptable there.
Don't like the fact that it's Google *everything* but I knew that going in. I much prefer syncing my calendar and tasks via Outlook but I've grabbed an app that should help w/that. I just have to make time to to set it up and learn to use it.
Battery life could be much better. I have to charge mine 2x a day or plug it in at work at my desk.
If these things that I don't like are things you're ok with then I would think you'd like the TB just fine.