This sounds like you may have been using the 'common interface' rather than evocamd (NOTE: there are 2 images with 2.50 in the downloads section, you need to use the one from
cyber2k1
As for the original question the Gemini 1.05 does appear to get most people up & running quickest, I still pref the Neutrino but it does need a little more patience. If you manage to get 1.05 working simply create a backup of your services.xml etc using Dreambox Control Center, then when you flash to Gemin 2.50 you can simply upload the 1.05 Bouquets/Services to the 2.50 image.
Much quicker, the 2.50 image does have a few useful addtions like the calendar etc