Also saw one called Bare Naked Rom which seemed very low on resources.
Still don't see what your problem is with text messaging. For example, to go from text messaging to the home screen, have you tried the END button? That's 1 step. You can still tap-hold-delete texts plus the new way allows you to delete multiple messages much more quickly. Ways I send a text message only take 2 or 3 steps before typing.
Bare Naked Rom has WinMo 6.1 and the option of Sense 2.1 so you can be all Plain Jane.
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=103045