have you tried to use the custom kernels that just came out yet? if not i would try a custom kernel in conjunction with setcpu. it may or may not help with battery life, but i would look into it.
as far as roms with the hotspot i believe the synergy rom has it. i'm on mik3d a1 rom and it has it as well. i use the the wireless tether app so i do not really check on other roms if they have it or not.