I guess I wouldn't include first-party apps, at least not in the discussion we're having. By your definition I could also include the built-in Android Email app. The app isn't essential to using the phone (I haven't used it in three years of owning an Android phone), and I can't uninstall it. The same goes for the Places app.

I guess for me there's a psychological difference between Google's included apps and a third-party's, and it's the same reason I prefer the plain Android experience, because I figure Google knows what's going into that. When a manufacturer adds their skins, it's out of Google's hands and they don't have control over what that company does.

Of course Google's apps can still suck and third party manufacturers could do a good job (though the latter seems to be pretty impossible). But I have more confidence when I start with Google's vision and add what I want on top of that.

*edit*
BTW, I was saying Android's Email app wasn't "crapware," but I do believe it's "crap"