Hey Bill, I wasn't around when you followed up about how Froyo works earlier, but I read your posts about it just now... I think an important point is that the writers of the article you linked didn't get any inside info, but they're just re-reporting the engadget scoop, and they're adding some extra words to the story.
They say: "Named "Froyo", Google's next Android version will be
detached of the usual set of first party applications and core components that currently populate the OS.
Instead of bundling those applications with the operating system, Google will instead make them available through the Android Market for download. This is currently
how updates to Google Maps are handled on Android."
And Engadget's words are: "We've been given reason to believe that the company will start by decoupling many of Android's standard applications and components from the platform's core and making them downloadable and updatable through the Market, much the same as they've
already done with Maps."
So, yes, the "platform core" will be a separate component from programs like maps, gmail, google nav, etc, which will be upgradeable through the market, but you can bet that when you get a new android phone, even the most stripped down "Google Experience" phones with no Sense or extra UI features, it will have all the usual google apps installed. It does mean, however, that IF a manufacturer or user wanted to make a stripped down rom with no extras, it would be much easier, but that doesn't make any sense for most companies that want you to have the full experience right out of the box. Their example that maps is already handled that way is a good hint, I mean it's included in every rom that comes out on new phones, it just happens to be updateable through the market without waiting for an OS update which will be the case for more components with Froyo.
I agree that this isn't something to argue about, and really we'll just have to wait and see how it works when it happens as all there is to go on now is the engadget article and our own interpretation of their words.
On another topic, I'm watching Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon right now, and the head editor from Engadget is a guest.... I'm 100% sure he'll be showing off an iPad, but maybe he has an EVO to show off also???? Probably not, but I can hope!