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1) Copying a live filesystem isn't a very good way of running a backup. You can end up with corrupt files because the OS/app had them open at the time, missing boot partitions etc. Hence I don't think it is a good idea to try and clone the running system.
2) The trouble with a Pi based thing for storage is by the time you connect a couple of drives you end up with a mess of cables and power supplies. Much easier to buy an appliance. I've got a Synology (DS420j) which just works. I have 3 drives and a RAID config (actually SHR) so if one fails I can replace one and not loose data.
jellybaby-
(Remember my claxon earlier)
1) is what your describing restore or rebuild in terms of what atk asked?
2) cool, this is useful thanks. Where can I reliably better learn about these? Googling the DS420j suggests this'd be huge overkill here. When you say you have 3 drives, is that 3 of the DS420j's - my budget wouldn't cover that kind of spend. I appreciate I'll get what I pay for / buy cheap buy twice etc.
rhb
There's two parts really now:
1) simplest way to restore any one of the devices should the sd corrupt
2) where can I best learn about options for reliable home network file storage? Most likely pi based i guess as I'm down this well now.