If you listen to Rooney speak, if you judge him by how he behaves off the field, sure, he is a dumbass. If you judge him solely by how he plays, he is as close to a perfect Barca forward/midfielder as anyone not currently on the team. The guy plays super hard both offense and defense, whatever he does off the field he is a model of fitness.
The only two current players I would not trade for Rooney even up are Messi and Iniesta. Not that he is better than Xavi, but he is a lot younger.
Would Rooney be better than Bale? The big problem with Rooney is that his best positions are where Messi and Iniesta play. Bale would start on the left and roam everywhere, this team could really use that. Plus his long-range shooting. Of course, CR7 would be better, particularly if the rules would change to allow one ball each for him and Messi.
Barca could spend very serious money this summer, for top talent. Some budget is left over from this year, some valuable players could be sold, almost all the 2014-15 budget could be spent early.