That's windows mobile for you.
You can turn on the battery indicator (at the expense of the clock) by going into start-settings-clocks and alarms - More, and uncheck "show clock in title bar in all applications".
Since this is a long-standing WM issue (not unique to the Intrepid) you might broaden your search to other device forums to see what solutions people have come up with over the years. There may in fact be ways to enable both by editing the registry. I like batti so I've never bothered to look for another solution.
And I have to say, if that's your only complaint with the Intrepid so far, you've got to use your phone some more!
(joking)