This is small update so I'll do an OTA install. Maybe I'll do a clean install of iOS 8.
You are just so far out of your comfort zone because you you have never do e an update/backup any other way, You won't give it a try thinking you are going to make a mistake and mess something g up.
If you do a backup proper and make a mistake it is nothing can't be repaired and redone because of your backup.
Keith I am only saying this if you want to recover space the same as you would defrag a computer , these phones have to be done once in a while too to make them run at its optimum and it's fastest with the the space you deserve to have just like I told you I recovered.
If nothing else you learned and tried something and helps when yo recommend to others. Just saying that all.