Can you default /etc and /var to, say a USB keychain or even a separate partition? (Change fstab or such or sym link, or something?)Technically it's no longer read only.

I understand the rsync to the hdd expands, but if you DID use iso9660, you would keep the compression (use REALLY old drive, or the compact flash option). In addition, whenever you wanted "upgrade" you just rsync that partition with the new update. (might not work since it's not technically a "file" but it just might).

Thanks for your insight, but I guess I'm specifically looking to keep it under 700. For instance, a compact flash card of 768 could hold the iso itself and have a separate partition for /etc and /var.

Comments?
Thanks!
KJ