Hi ssiu and welcome to our forums,
Let me explain something here...2.17 of Herrie is the same firmware as MadDog 2.F8 (renamed to the NEC ID)...Even the newest official 2.17 firmware update is better since it has newer firmware strategies. Personally i haven't tested yet the v2.C8 to be sure about te real performance, i also heard some issues, but already TDK has announced v2.C9 on the run...
About the flashing, I think there is a limit, maybe 255 times, i don't assume you are flashing every day your recorder