Please do not flash it before you do not get the backup firmware.
Haha no worries mate, I wont be looking for a refund if/when I brick it.

I'm hoping I can use SausageScript to install CWM out of the box, this way I will be able to rip my own backup of the firmware. Just in case. But a stock copy from the manufacturer would be brilliant!
there are some ways to "hack" the market and get full access
There are some ways to the get applications regardless too, but I'm sure we'd all prefer to have it working legitimately if at all possible.
the best way, changing device ID, add some permission to system/etc/permissions.
Thanks for the link. I'm really just curious as to how "clean" the copy of ICS actually is. I know that these China devices often have hacked together installs and if this is the case, I'd be interested in running a more "stock" rom. Or even one of the more tried and tested mods (in the interest of battery life etc).
I have a lineup of friends waiting to see if this is any good, so I'll do a full test/review for everyone once it arrives. Feel free to throw any questions my way as well.