Ok , after not being sure if i should use the update to change from 2.2U to 2.2E , i came across 2 posts in this thread saying that they've kept their 2.2U numbering, and one of them mentions he used wiigionfree to patch it first.
Now , as i am a NTSC , cyclowiz user , i also patched the iso prior to burning with wiigionfree.
Then came across the "Iniating a wii update" (Press Eject to avoid it) so i figured id leave the game aside until a NTSC would force 2.2E into 2.2U, but then i read the 2 posts. So i decided to go for it anyways , and sure enough , my version remains 2.2U.
I think the one common thing was that we used WIIGIONFREE first.
Worked for me.