Here's somethings I have found -- when I flashed on 1.5b_g, (I'm on vzw) I didnt have to do anything to be able to send and receive text messages. (Funny, when I go in and look, my mms server is sprint, yet it works just fine!) I did not add the string, and it works fine. Also, I have used PA for a while, and I'm not seeing an issues. I mostly use it for reminders of missed SMS, and it works fine, even with that other SMS app that J has installed. So, There's my 2 cents.
Keep up the good work J.
On a semi side note -- J, have you looked at altering the pagepool to pep this baby up a bit? Maybe bump it up by 8 mb? I'm running lots of stuff, and still have 24mb free program ram... Might take care of some other issues with not waking up fast enough to get a call... Or might cause even more issues