ok cool, yeah that makes sense. not a huge deal in the end, just one of those things i'd like to uncripple on the dream at some point (for quick text replies, short notes while out, etc.)
it blows my mind that the soft keyb was removed from cupcake for the canada release, oh well, it's only a matter of time until someone figures out a way.
i'm tempted to try the steps at this link
Cupcake, do it yourself update(FROM YOUR G1, NO PC needed) - Android Community Forums
but don't want to f up my phone on day one... I'm sure it would be fine, but just in case.
I'll wait a while and see if anyone up here has success with it or a workaround.