Drawing from your experience!

Okay, I have this stupid rotten MF'ing V3a from Alltel. Got a new one due to warranty, and now can't use MPT to transfer my ring tones. As a beginner, here are my questions. I've seen a lot of people have problems with these damm phones

1. IS it possible to remove the ring tone protection?
2.If so, how?
3. Can I "Flash" this phone to get all the stupid alltel crap off and put my own skins, ringtones and games?
4. If so, how?
5. What tools do I need to perform a flash? I have installed and working:
MPT
MSU
P2k commander
I have bitpim, but it keeps saying I'm missing a .DLL file so its not working
PST but I can't get it to connect

I'd really just like not to get hosed for $3 to use a 10 second clip for a ring tone, get some new themes other than the gay crap on here, and maybe install new games without paying $10 a crack!

I really am not used to asking for help, but I've yet to find a good set of tutorials that list the programs I need, where to get them and then sit down and explain it. PLEASE HELP!!!!!