Contemplating ROM choices...

[Turnkeys]

Morning all,

Long time member, been lurking a while now. I'm generally not quick to embrace new ROMs 'cause I'm overly paranoid of bricking, but as with my Mogul, I'm starting to see unacceptable slowdowns on my TP2; to the point I'm considering a new ROM.

Currently running the origional stock 1.21.651.3, not yet unlocked. I'm looking for recomendations and opinions, for myself and a friend. I prefer function and speed over frills and eye candy.

My friend updated his work TP2 to stock 6.5 and is becomming disillusioned with WM. After a year of ragging on his iPhone habit I finally got him to switch, so now I feel obligated to help keep him off his personal brand of crack.

I've skimmed a few threads of people having issues unlocking (and an unlocker that works online?) Is unlocking dependant on the current rom?

I've also been reading several threads mentioning stability vs frills. Is 6.1 generally more stable?

How common are bricks with this handset?

I've no problem following guides and how-to's. Links and comments are welcome.

Thanks.