I claim no responsibility if you run into issues.
I generated a system app + data backup with Titanium Backup (free) and then used a program called System Toolbox (free) to remove:
airG Chat
Downloads (Virgin Mobile)
Poynt
SCVNGR
TalkBack
TouchPal
Twidroyd
Virgin Mobile Live
Where
I would consider this the 'safe' list. Keep them if you use them (obviously). There are a few others from VM which I didn't list because I felt they may be useful (Activation, My Account, etc). None of the apps in the list above are part of the Android stock build.
After I uninstalled these apps I rebooted my phone, and it asked me to reactivate using the built in Activate app, so I did. Phone rebooted again and everything was fine. I haven't had any problems.