I've never had a problem with flashing. You shouldn't be scared. I consider myself to be a noob and I found it very easy to flash. Everything you need is on this website. It takes me about 10 mins to flash and another 10mins to reinstall everything.

I don't see the point in waiting. Your phone will be the same as if u were flashing with the rom going to be released by sprint. Actually it'll be better cause you can customize the programs you want

no2chem's rom is pretty good...
DCD's kitchen is good too, but it doesn't come with as many goodies as ppckitchen.org roms
Haven't tried that V something rom, but I will...