FixMe: got any FAQs to add? we need some. 
- Can I could use an IDE HDD in an external USB case for the install instead of a thumb drive?
will be tested by tink_ soon. Engywuck: external CDROM was tested by me and is non-working. USB stick formatted as HDD (with partitions) works, but you have to press ESC at bootup and manually select the stick (tested with grml distribution).
- do i need the EFI partition or is it safe to delete?
- It's safe to delete that, debian won't need it.