Well, what are you defining as "not living up to it" and what is your usage like? Back when I had a Droid Razr Maxx, I still managed barely a full day of use with it, and that was because I was a heavy user, I wanted all my notifications to be on and working, I do GeoCaching, lots of streaming media, etc. So the first step is to be honest about what your usage is currently. Also, rather than look at possibly not active but stored in RAM processes that aren't affecting the battery, or really anything else except for how quickly they can load back up, check your battery usage, and see what is eating up your battery. Also, I am not directly familiar with those 2 apps, but I believe they are both games. If they have things like FB integration, co op, or really any other notifications, then they are going to start up in order to give you that. Another thing to keep in mind, advertised battery life is based on a brand new phone, with no apps installed, etc.
Personally, I bought a smart phone to use it, and to use it fully. However, I also charge it any time I can, and have an external battery pack. I see no purpose in having a phone that can do everything Android and the Note 2 can do, and then shutting things down, limiting things, ect. I think if you do that, then you just have a basic phone in a Smartphone shell, nothing more, IMHO.