[intx]

The stock ROM is very, very weak when it comes to speed, performance, and things like that.

You could potentially mess up your phone if you do something wrong, but it's very easy, and this was my first WM phone as well, and I've now flashed at least 100 times.

Try going to Calkulin's Kitchen thread, and in the second post download a Manila cab, and see if that will allow you to keep your internet connection.

I don't know why a theme would break it.