Buggy really depends on what ROM you go for really. Also what kernel and performance settings you have it at. You can definitely opt for a ROM that's more stock and have more stability and less features. Alot of the big name devs have very stable ROMs and when I was using a few they weren't buggy at all.
Honestly, read them all. It may be information overload, but it's better to be well informed than have any lingering questions. I've usually directed people to Wug's Toolkit, but GalaxyNexus Toolkit is pretty good as well. As for ROMs, that's definitely a personal preference. I'm not sure of the list of ROMs here at DF, but if you head over to XDA or Rootzwiki there are definitely more there. Also, check out our sister site for the Galaxy Nexus and you can find a ton of info there as well: Galaxy Nexus Forum - Samsung Galaxy Nexus Community
We were all at that step the first time we rooted. I remember I was a wreck with my OG Droid when I was debating rooting or not. I ended up rooting it about 6mo into ownership and I never looked back.
The great thing about the OG Droid and our Nexus is that they were pretty much impossible to brick. I mean you really have to try to brick the Nexus (and I mean getting the wrong ROM or something that is almost obviously not correct). One-click toolkits make the process is even easier and more user-friendly/straightforward. I understand if people are still uncomfortable even with this method, it is a scary thing to "hack" your phone. But for me, the fact that contacts were backed up to my google account and apps could easily be recovered as they're also tied to my google account made the decision easier. Rooting, back around the OG Droid time wasn't as simple as one-click, but still easy enough to follow(thanks to the quality writeups found here at DF among other boards). Also making sure I had backups, after root of course, eased my mind as well in case I screwed things up (which I did). It's all about double or triple checking the steps and making sure you have the correct versions of what you want to flash. Once you get over the first bump, you're on your way to being a flash-o-holic
Advice I always give to those curious of root. When they upgrade to their next device, try rooting the old one. If you're comfortable in doing that it'll be a similar process with your new phone, if you choose to stick with Android of course.
+100 on do your research/homework.I can say more,but I'm gonna be nice.
I had to do it 3-4 times before I corrected what I was doing wrong.
