Buying a new Blu-ray Player

[rapperskull]

Hello I would like to buy my first Blu-ray Player and I'm oriented on the BD-F8900, but I have some questions:
First of all: What are the advantages of root? "Only" region free?
Is it possible to play backups of DBs without mod?
Is it possible to root, or mod this model?
What are the steps to follow? Is it required to disassembly the BD player?
Thanks in advance!