Re: "privacy invasion"
I guarantee Google has never made even a single dime from me in advertising. In fact I've never clicked on a Web ad in my entire life, and indeed I use several methods on all platforms to completely eliminate all Web "spam" (that includes AdAway on Android). I don't even allow Google cookies, and for the last few years I've used an OpenVPN privacy service for all Internet access (also on Android), so they can't even log my searches by IP.
When it comes to "privacy" matters, frankly I'm far more concerned about my ISP spying on me on behalf of the government (or in reality, the MAFIAA). That is, after all, exactly why I, and an increasing number of UK Internet subscribers, use a VPN privacy service.
The only money Google ever made from me was from the very few paid apps I bought on the Market - probably less than £50 over the last two years. That's also the only reason I have a GMail account - I don't use it for anything else, I have my own mail server.
Having a "Google" phone doesn't mean you have to be a slave to Google, especially as Android is Free Software.
You can't really say the same about Apple's gizmos.