Another data point...
Just got an Axim Basic with A05 ROM/WM2003 - and am successfully using + recommend:
Icbar - to have the "X" really close programs and not suck up all the available memory without me knowing. Also provides a great memory and battery indicator.
Launcher - To get a lot of apps as small icons on the Today screen
Shutdown - To be able to do a soft reset without hassle
Stopwatch 1.5 - as a great stopwatch and easy countdown timer/alarm
vxIPConfig - to see IP info and renew ip address when using a Wi-Fi card