This is most likely Samsung and VM/Sprint's fault, not Google Android. The proprietary software bloatware is so thick it takes almost 3 minutes to turn the stupid device on, then when leaving apps back to the home screen it can take up to 30 seconds to see your icons. At least the device now responds fast enough to answer calls before they go to voicemail. Seeing other brand devices running Eclair/Froyo/Gingerbread next to the Samsung devices and hearing the concensus among those who have abandoned Samsung, it is also quite apparent the problem is not with the phone's specs. My Nook Color beats the Intercept hands down with the same processor power.
I expect Samsung has already moved on from the "inexpensive" Intercept to the heftier and newer gen devices. I have yet to see any phone company maintain a model past one major update, and most don't even go that far. I hope they'll prove me wrong, but I'm not holding my breath. Even if they do, Samsung had Froyo ready in December and four months later, Sprint, then VM released it in curiously small quantities to random owners.