iphone 2G previously on firmware 2.2.1

accidentally upgraded to firmware 3.0
(me & my itchy hands, was told by a phone vendor that apple no longer cares about 2G so firmware upgrading is ok)

phone currently showing "slide for emergency"

however .. to my surprise i can still make/receive calls .. receiving SMS poses no problem too! can't send SMS though as i can't get into springboard

i have been trying (very hard) to downgrade/upgrade my firmware but i was always shown error 20 halfway thru the process!!

Systems Used - PC on itunes 8.2 & Laptop on itunes 8.1.1

Tried the usual drill, enter DFU mode (many many times) press shift & restore ..
tried firmware 2.2.1 & 2.0.2 .. same error .. error 20!! at one time i can't even get to "slide for emergency" (phone shows the connect to itunes screen) but after upgrading to 3.0 no problem

I guess i will have to be patient and wait for DEV team to come up with quickpwn 3.0 (fingers crossed)

anyone .. any solution??

any reply is greatly appreciated

thanking you in advance