After the ICS install It's terrible that anyone can read your sms messages from the pull down with the lock screen enabled. If you uncheck in Settings/Privacy the "Message notification preview" (meaning your message with not show in the status bar too) it will not show...but neither will you get...
I'm loving the large Evo keyboard as well, but I'm experiencing the same problem in portrait by hitting the arrow keys instead of the space bar. It's getting slightly fun-annoying. I too am searching and waiting for keyboard suggestions.
I'm looking forward to the snappy 1 GHz Snapdragon processor to speed through my day (work & play) organizing my life with choice apps and the wonderful 4.3 inch screen. I hope to enjoy 4G when it comes to my area, but, for now I will enjoy the HTC Evo as a great 3G smartphone.