One and Half Story Gable-Front House Insulation advice

[Matt Williams]

192O one and a half story, the attic was converted to 3 BR with what they called a 4th, no closet though.  though out the upstairs there are knee walls, 4 ft high, pink rolled insulation tucked behind. Ceiling framed lower than the actual roof with blown cellulose. The entire interior of the roof has the original cardboard still in place. What I have since learned is how this set up works to prevent ice damming, and has some sort of ventilation built into the bottom of the roof.                                                        Guess one would be is this the best way to go about insulation this type of house. not really looking for the cheapest option, unless its the best option. With 3 BR up there, this seems to be a big deal, I just want to be able to get it right.   being in Ohio, we get both the hot *** summer, and the cold *** winter, spending a little here seems like a wise investment.  I read both good and bad with the foam insulation, mostly that it is too expensive.

It would be nice if possible to open the space by not having the framed in low ceilings, as well as doing away with the knee walls. 

Thanks in advance.