Chris,
If you first sync your contacts with google (so then the voice dial works) then uncheck the sync contacts with gmail you will still have voice dial.
Of course you would need to re sync with google when you added a new contact but then you can uncheck after adding in the new contact. But then when you did the sync google would kill the previous pictures.
Anyways that's another kinda work around. I just tested and I do have voice dial by holding down search with my contacts.
BTW: Coming off of my old Touch Pro I freaking love this thing!! I've only had to do like a dozen mods to it opposed to a few hundred!
)