[Longview]

OK - I see where I was confused.

I was ignoring the "BACK" hardware key and trying to use the "END" hardware key.
The END key would cause the phone to beep, but wouldnt do anything.

Because of this I was taking the long route of getting back to the home screen from within the Messaging tab of a contact (such as after a text message). I was having to use a combination of sliding to the Details tab of the contact and using softkeys and the slider bar to navigate back to the home screen.

I now see that the BACK hardware key (with the arrow making a U-turn) does immediately return the screen to the HTC Messaging tab. This is a better option.

I still maintain the idea that the true END key (the hardware key with they red phone icon) should truly end what you are doing and return home, but I certainly see it as less of a problem now.