Is there an option to uninstall under Settings/Applications/Manage Applications for the applications you don't want? (Look under the "All" tab if they don't show under "Downloaded".)
If not, I'll bet you can redo the rc3 without the "gapps.zip". As I understand it, gapps is Google apps, which many people want. But I'm pretty sure pablob's upgrade will work without the gapps.
Anybody know if I am right about that??
I installed an antivirus app, whether I need it or not.

It is called Antivirus, by AVG, and I don't remember where I got it -- possibly from Android market through my husband's Galaxy Tab.
Congratulations on getting the update to work!!