But I don't want to give up my htc hero

Hey r/android. I have recently rooted my "old school" hitc hero, but I cannot seem to install a new rom. All of the instructions that I find seem to show me that you need to have clockworkmod - rom manager. I have searched high and low for this elusive app on the market and have only found the premium which does not come with the install for the free version.

Does anyone know the following questions (I apologize to have more than one question but I thank you for your help and patience)

1. Can you install a rom into the htc hero without using clockworkmod
2. Can you tell me where I can download a version of the clockwork mod that will work on htc hero
3. Can you suggest the "best" rom to install as I am using a three year old phone and running 2.1-update 1 (firmware) on a hero200.
4. If you feel it would be better to upgrade I am looking at the Motorola photon, or the htc evo, as well as the Samsung galxey but because the Samsung is not international then it takes the third seat for what I would buy.

If you have questions please let me know and I will be happy to answer and upvote you!

Many thanks!