Sorry your experience was not good.
There are 'basically' three parts to the software that runs your phone.
1. There is the SPL / bootloader.
2. There is the Radio ROM.
3. There is the System ROM.
All three must line up correctly.
1. If you are using code prior to 3.16 then you need either have the following SPLs:
>>>a. The ReLocker 1.06 SPL if running official carrier released code
>>>b. The unLocker (original) 1.20 if running custom built roms
2. If you are using 3.16+ code then you need either:
>>>a. The reLocker if upgrading to the unofficial carrier released rom
>>>b. the unLocker (new) 2.40 if running custom built roms
If returning to 2.17 Official Carrier Released Rom from a 3.16+ build:
**Make sure you have your MSID/MDN/EPST codes**
1. Download your carriers official released 2.17 ROM
2. >>>a. run the
relocker (as you are running this, make sure you follow the on-screen directions fully -- read carefully!)
(don't worry about getting out of the bootloader - tri-color screen)
3. Install your carriers official released 2.17 ROM
That's it.