PPCGeeks - Samsung Epic vs. HTC Evo: Non-Stock ROM and Development Community Comparison

Hey guys,

I am planning on pulling the trigger on my upgrade on 10/01/2010 with the new Sprint SERO Premium plans. I've been playing with Android on my TP2 and absolutely love the more intuitive design in comparison to WP6.5. With that said, I've opted to go with either the Samsung Epic or HTC Evo. I have been on an HTC Device since the Mogul and am a little reticent to jump ship. Basically, as of now I am leaning toward the Samsung Epic purely for superamoled display and the keyboard. One thing that does concern me though is the dev community. My questions are as follows:

1) Which device has the larger/more active community? (I'm assuming Evo)

2) Do you anticipate the Epic's community to grow? (since it's a newer device)

3) How customizable are Android roms? For instance, WM roms seemed to jump from Windows Phone to Windows Phone, but it doesn't seem to be the case with Android. For instance, I haven't seen any Froyo roms for the Epic. Also, I don't want the touchwiz overlay. Are there roms out there that add Froyo and get rid of touchwiz for the Epic (possibly add Sense)? (Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places.

4) Windows Phone 7 Outlook: Should I hold off and see how these guys pan out? I haven't seen any super compelling information to suggest that they will be a game changer. Also, I use Google for everything (so Android is nice for integration).

5) Lastly, all the reviews I've watched compare these two phones as they come from the carrier. How do they compare given the fact that I WILL be flashing to a non-stock rom?

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks,
Chris