Yeah I know about the drop down toggles but I kinda like having the ones on my homescreen as well, but you are right they aren't really necessary.
My gmail works fine, although I access that through the gmail app. I should try accessing my gmail through the email app though, good idea.
Sorry if I gave the impression of being pushy, I totally realize this is an alpha. I would just like to know if it's something that hasn't been addressed yet or it's something specific to me.
The only problem with using Gmail in the email app is that it doesn't support push for when you get mail on your Gmail accounts so you have to waste battery on having it check at intervals. As far as I'm aware, that's worse for battery than getting your mail pushed instantly when you receive it. I could be wrong, though, and if I am, I may switch to the email app myself. I believe it also does not support the archive function thay Gmail has. I could also be wrong about this as well.
Personally, I would love to switch to using one stock app for all four of my email addresses, three of which are Gmail.