Simple answer, there is NO FREE solution and to be honest if someone was to tell how to do it a lot of people who pay the bills flashing or selling the flashing services would be in the hole a lot. There are very few that know how to do it manually and I can guarantee they aren't going to spill the beans.

For what it's worth [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] has the best support around and is fair on the pricing. If you don't need the virtual OTA it's only $75... So like you said the guys who have spent endless time making the programs deserve your $100 so go with the one that will be the best for you.