I tend to agree with the OP. Free Android apps remind me of the free wallpaper or email stationary for desktops, filled with spyware. They constantly run in the background even though they are not being used, they must be doing something with all those permissions. If phones are merely computers now, then they need to have firewalls to go along with the antivirus software. Otherwise, yes, you do start to get more and more spam texts and phone calls from people attempting to sell you things. Information like phone numbers and email addresses are worth money and that's what these (some, not all) free app developers are counting on so they can make money. An app that provides me with a background and icons has no need to access anything on the phone but they all list every permission possible.
Sent from my totally awesome Sprint Galaxy Nexus, even if I don't know all its secrets yet.