Is there a way do a netinst of Debian Sid w/ a 2.6.x kernel from scratch? I saw something about using a netinst CD and using the expert26 boot option and there being a way to select unstable, but I'd appreciate any details.

Also, would it be worth it, or would I be better off installing Sarge w/2.6, updating to Etch, and then going to Sid? I know I managed to really screw up my system messing around with going from Sarge to Sid, and I don't want to do it again.

I don't think it's possible to do what you want (maybe somebody knows how to do this).

What I did, and suggest you to do is the following:

1. Install Sarge with 2.6.8 kernel. Just install the base system.
2. Once done that change from Xfree86 to Xorg.
3. Change your sources.list to point it to sid repositories.
4. Upgrade the base system (the core packages) that includes the kernel.
5. Upgrade the rest of the system

You can also do some search, In the meantime I'll search for the link to the how-to change from Xfree86 to Xorg.

I found it http://www.debian-administration.org/articles/185

Thanks again. I'm going to try what I mentioned(expert26) on a test box just for the sake of curiosity. This is Linux, and we are here to learn, right?

When I find that my idea ultimately fails , I'll use yours to try and get Sid up and running.