I have a storm and I LOVE my tether app. Does the driod have a app like it ??? That might be my deal breaker if not. I use it for work a few times a week and it comes into [lpay HIGE for me.
Tether (used to be called TetherBerry) is doing a BETA now for Android phones. I haven't received my invite for it yet but this may be worth looking into.
Rooting is about 2 second process. The only thing keeping in mind is it voids your warranty (if you tell them or show them a phone that has been rooted, very easy to unroot in case you need to return or do tech support at a verizon store.)