1. To get rid of ads, pay for them. Ads are what makes those apps free. If there are no ads, then the developer will not earn money. Simple as that. I find it weird why people want free stuff but no ads. Will you waste time working to make thousands of other people enjoy their phones for nothing? doubt it.
2. As previously answered, there is no real list of "must have" apps thats good for everyone. A particular app may be a "must have" for me, but useless to you. As for the things you mentioned you want, that can be done on certain Froyo phones without even downloading anything AFAIK.