JimmyNeedyHelp Said:
Q1. "[...]The ability to 'Update' to a light weight OS with minimal functionality that would easily fit on the device to give access to the file system to retrieve and manage data would be fantastic[...]"
A1. Updates Cannot be Downgraded:
Once an update has been installed, it cannot go back. This is due to hardware functionality having been reconfigured. So, recommend to Apple that this be an option, in one manor or another.
Recommend this to Apple:
Do your part: Let Apple know what is going on here. Provide them with feedback on this. They may not get back to you directly, but the more feedback they received on this, the more they will know what is going on, and what needs to be fixed in updates to come.
- Go Here: Feedback - iPhone - Apple
- Comment: that you want this to be an option, and why.
- Select: "Bug Report" for the "Feedback Type"
- Proceed from there as necessary
Q2. "start fresh and move the data we want back to the device."
A2. Your Best option is to restore it factory settings, as if you were to sell it. Then, log into iCloud on your iPhone. Once logged in, you can proceed with a setting this up anew. Proceed as instructed here: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support. Enable items in iCloud prior to doing so, so that items are backed up.