I'm on 5.1.1 stock. Is it safe to just factory reset in settings?
Safe as in it won't automatically update you to iOS 6? If so, then yes, it's safe.
Ok. Also, is there a way around CDMA activation? This phone has picture's of my buddy girlfriend and I want them all gone lol. There's like 300 pictures and Idont have a Verizon account.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
When you erase the phone, the pictures will be deleted, along with everything else. If you restore from a backup that contains those pictures, then they'll be back. If you restore as new, they'll remain deleted. In any case, if you want the pictures gone, just delete them the the Photos app.
Put your friends SIM back in it, reset it then activate it.
A sim, in a verizon iPhone?
Would someone please let me know why I shouldn't upgrade to IOS 6?
It takes away google maps? So if you depend on google maps alot, then maybe you shouldn't upgrade. A workaround is to use the mobile version of google maps on Safari, but not everyone likes this solution.