Sprint HTC Hero - Questions with Build

[BPFerrari1]

I've had my Hero for about a week or so now and been browsing the forums all over to see what the general view on the Hero is.

But I have a few questions:

The phone is Google Backed, Manufacturer's Date: 10/11/2009. Hardware: 002

1) The camera makes a clicking-like noise when it auto-focuses and after taking a picture, it also makes the noise when 'refreshing' to take another picture.

2) I have dust in the lower left corner of the screen, is that where everyone else is having the same issue?

3) The battery life is quite poor for me, I installed HandcentSMS, and just use the Gmail app for email, but other than that, I'm not sure what else I should do or try to increase the battery life.

4) The brightness sensor sucks, it is very choppy; so does anyone have any good alternatives/fixes or apps to replace or better the issue?

Also, should I be worried of any of the above issues - this was I can go back to Sprint and get myself a replacement before it's too late.

Thanks.