1. Then maybe the mixed MAIN and FS is the problem. Or simply it is a bug of MAIN firmware. But the patch is excluded. Debrand it with XS++. It has the required custom pack incorporated, so you no need to download any custom pack, just select one in XS++. I cannot give you any link because it is against of forum rules.
Like 93bh said, you can backup all those things with MyPhoneExplorer(a free program). I linked it already in some earlier post.

2. Use XS++ v3.1. This doesn't use bruteforce, and it is fast.
If you flash the rest file, you cannot connect to FAR until you flash the breakloader.
The rest file is the first few blocks from MAIN firmware. It can be created with rest.exe what comes with SEFP.

3. I like more the XS++ method, but this is my personal preference only.