[dnanian]

To restore from a sparse image, you have to mount it first (using the File menu). You then use the volume that appears as the source of the restoration.

You don't have to stagger the start times for a backup -- just pop them all at the same time, and we'll figure it out.

Finally, regarding the icon: it's a file like any other on the disk. If you'd like it to be handled specially, you can do so: look on the forums, and you'll find a little "set_icon" script that can be used. It was posted, with instructions, within the last few days, so it's right on the first page of posts.

Hope that helps!