You bring good points. However, I have seen this same solution (or similar) on other posts. So, it isn't like you invented the wheel on this one. But thanks for your contribution to HOFO.
As for MMS, it won't work with Sprint because Sprint uses a whole different system for their MMS than what Cricket does. From the hours of searching on here and a few cases of Dr. Pepper, I have found that the solution has been to flash to Verizon, Alltel, or a Generic and then go from there.