If you want backups and backups only, it might be a good idea to wait for 3key to be released - that way, you're as safe as it gets since there's no real way of distinguishing between a real disc and a mounted image. If you're into homebrew, there's always the CFW + PSN Lover/F*cker/Whatever they're coding these days, but that entails daily checks on whether or not the method is still working, and to me living under constant stress defeats the purpose of having fun.

As for the E3 Flasher prices, I've seen it go for prices similar to the one you outlined. That, and remember - with a flasher, you have a practically unbrickable PS3, so it's "worth it" in my opinion. That, and you're not subject to Sony when it comes to exploits - you can always revert to an earlier, exploitable firmware whenever you want if they hire fairies and actually manage to patch a few things (although according to Wololo, that's not even an option at this point).

In any case, as I said - full system access was achieved. From now on, it'll only get "easier", and Sony lost any interest they might've had, focusing on the PSVita and the PS4 as well as protecting PSN - can't cry over spilled milk, right?