Some times you have to step back so you can go forward. Boy do I know that.Hook up your old antenna to it see what your range is there, that'll tell you a lot about your u.fl cables ,then hook up the extreme unboosted. If your bird was flying fine before, at least a reasonable range, then I wouldn't worry about the firmware or the UF.l cables
BeauS You can do it. we are all rooting for you