Removing/replacing unwanted protected apps

[Guest xathras]

Titanium Backup has a "Chuck Norris" mode for deleting protected apps (Titanium -> Preferences -> Uninstaller Settings). I tried it out by deleting a couple of apps that I will never use, namely Dialer (since it's not a phone) and Live Wallpapers (which I find distracting). They are now gone and I've been running for 3 days without any problems. There is however an unforeseen minor side-effect. I now have phone signal strength meter on my notification bar (see pic.)!

My questions to anybody with the relevant knowledge are:-

1) Is this a good/bad thing to do?

2) Can I use the space I've liberated to install new apps in (I presume I can use adb to push apps)?

3) Can anybody suggest other apps I can safely remove?

or

4) Should I be sent to bed early without any supper? ;)

[Guest Touch Graphite]

I upgraded LP and just hid them to avoid this sort of post fiddling glitches.

Worked a treat for me, phone and the Vega help icon no longer in the app drawer.

[Guest simonta]

My questions to anybody with the relevant knowledge are:-

1) Is this a good/bad thing to do?

2) Can I use the space I've liberated to install new apps in (I presume I can use adb to push apps)?

3) Can anybody suggest other apps I can safely remove?

or

4) Should I be sent to bed early without any supper? ;)

1. As long as you know what you're removing and why, then it's an "OK" thing. That said, unless you really need the space and/or the app is obviously removable, why do it? Removing the phone framework is one example you've seen of possible troubles.

2. Yes. Unless you're using apps2sd, you don't need to push apps. Install them in the usual way.

3. Vega help, WH Smith books, Calculator, CarHome.

4. Yes :)

Cheers