Ok so I was about to attempt un/debranding this phone on my own, but i'm incredibly intimidated.

So far I have XS++, but i'm also reading about all these other programs like Setools, jdflasher etc? This has gotten me really confused.

Ok bottom line, right now, I have a Rogers branded w580i

Things I NEED to do :

1. Unlock
2. Mp3 ringtones

Things that are optional, but preferred :

3. Chinese_trad (Taiwan) I already have this FW file
4. flash themes, lighting, etc (i dont remember what else people do)
5. free up space/memory
6. i seen a code for getting rid of lag when going through the menus?
7. copying files from phone to computer so I can use as a portable drive

AND, I've read about not having to completely unbrand reset your phone if you just want to get free mp3 ringtones, by way of customize.xml patch? how does this work

LAST THING, I dont want to post multiple threads, does backing up the GDFS make it go back to Rogers FW(default carrier) and default settings? just in case I need to return to Rogers for service? If not how do I revert back to the files and settings provided by my mobile carrier

This is freaking me out, only because there is more than one program to use, eg setools or xs++

what is the difference between these 2? and can I use the regular cable that came with my phone to do all this?

Well with XS++ you can access your FS (File system) and you can change icons,camera drivers,acoustic drivers,you can also FLASH your phone....but you can't patch your phone!
To use patches you need to use SE2Tool Lite or FAR+JDFlasher (I recommend SETool2Lite because it's much easier to use,at least it's my case)!
So,you have to Flash your phone first via XS++ (3.1) and you can download >>HERE<< and then Flash your phone with some original sw (MAIN,FS and CUST) and you'll get original sw,and you can use Mp3 ringtones!
And to unlock your phone use >>THREAD<<
To patch your phone use >>THIS<< thread!
Not sure about GDFS!

Thanks alot for the reply Mclaren, but yea I still want to know how to revert back default firmware etc, just in case.

Seems like theres a new fs/main for the w580 that is CID53, I have to use the CID52 ones right?

Also this can all be done with my regular cable?

1) Well I think you can restore your default fw by backup/restore your GDFS,but I'm not 100% sure!
2) Yes,you should use only CID52 because CID53 is very new and it's not modable!
3) Yes,you should use your regular USB cable (DCU-60)!
Cheers