I'm able to decrypt eboots without issue, I'm at a loss for what I'm supposed to do next. The specific eboot I'm trying to fix is Ar Tonelico Qoga, the required firmware is 3.55, if that matters. Somewhat related, I cannot get the regular version of makeself to work, only the npdrm.
Unless you have a fat ps3 the risk of bricking is next to none. If you read carefully and select a cfw that suits your model the best, and follow the insructions to the letter, you have nothing to worry about.
Please could you tell me what model of ps3 you have?
The bricking risk isn't really anything to be concerned about anymore, if that is why you don't wish to update you shouldn't let that hold you back, as 3.55 has much more support...