@mccainm
1. The icons of apps you uninstalled, but are present there by default won't go away unless you go over one of these icons, hit the menu button and select another app. You will have to do this every time the chosen app is updated.
2. Yes, alternate launchers can be installed, but only on the custom version. I have installed an alternate launcher. As soon as you install another launcher, when pressing the Home button, you will get a prompt to use another launcher.