I think Android needs to provide users ways to fine tune the permissions of what an app can have access to. For example I can install a game and prevent it accessing to my contacts, location etc.. Or because I have limited mobile data allowance, I can disable mobile data for an app and force it to only work on WIFI. I have rooted my HTC Desire and installed LBE Privacy Guard. Works pretty well, don't notice much slow down. I'm no way associated with the app, just a happy user.

Did you not try the phone out before you've bought it? Because you would have known that HTC Sense is like that.. You could have removed the Mail Widgets if it was getting in your way and long press the app in the app drawer to create shortcuts. RTFM. I have a HTC Desire and I prefer all the apps in the drawer instead of it cluttering the home screen. If you liked the iPhone way of organising things.. Try a Samsung, they pretty much copied iPhone's interface and hence getting in a legal battle with Apple.

Every Amazon purchased app will try to contact the Amazon Appstore when it is launched.
The Appstore itself will try to phone home at least a few times a day even if the Amazon purchased apps are not running.
Some Amazon purchased apps will not launch if you uninstall the Appstore.
http://www.the-digital-reader.com/2011/04/12/apps-from-amazon-routinely-phone-home-and-other-interesting-details/

Check out the Diary, it is in German but most have English transcripts. It has a lot more on when goes on behind the scenes. http://www.youtube.com/user/MiWuLaTV#grid/user/5F525544A3296EEB

A friend of mine had this card back when it was released back in 1996. I think that was the first 3D card that I ever saw in action. Came with a game, I believe it was Virtua Fighter. Only a few Sega games were ported for the card. It cost him around $950AUD.