Pretty VAGUE statement you are making there. How about a specific list of those apps. you think are trash.
I have deleted 1 or two that I have had no use for. The others all work as advertised! Maybe it might be a case of those apps not quite meeting expectations of yours.
I use and have no problems with:
Google Maps
Where
iMusic
Task Manager
Shop Savvy
Picsay
Air Attack
Funny Jokes
Air Hockey
Poke a Mole
Fishin' 2 Go
Google Sky Maps
Movies
E-Buddy
Astro File Manager
Color flashlight
Bubble
RingDroid
Backgrounds
and a few more.
Every single one of those are great apps and considering the price paid?!?! I'd say unbelievable! Considering the WinMo phone I just threw in the trash... I am light years a head with the Hero!
edited to answer your question...
I have not owned an iPhone, but on cost consideration, between hardware cost and plan pricing coupled with apps, overall, I would say YES, I am better off than with an iPhone.
Regards,