A little on my background. I came from a rooted LG Ally. So I'm somewhat a newbie,but also familiar of the process.
As for wipe everything, do you mean just Dalvik and cache or whole system wipe. Back when I was messing with the Ally it was only Dalvik and cache.
I'm sure I have it parition because when i was able to enable the int.d. A2SD work fine and I was able to move all apps to the card. But I lose G-CAL(Screen roatation) Wifi, and from what I have read I might have also lost GPS. I never tried to look.
And as for wiping before I do a ROM I did not do a system wipe. But I contrubite of the problem is I might be installing a GSM ROM alot of these ROMs are not mark what it is for sure when go to their post. I like the looks of SuperNova 2.4.0.1 but does not say if it is for CMDA phones. I keep d/ling with mixed results.
I'm also using 4ext recovery. It does keep coming up in safe mode because it does not have access to system. Can this be my problem also?
Thanks for all the help BTW