Here's my thing: how many apps do you actually need? My phone is first and foremost, a telephone, then an SMS device, then a GPS, and finally, if I really am in a pinch and can't get to a real computer, a web browser. That's all I do with it.
If I could get rid of the crapware bundled on my phone without rooting it, I'd have maybe a half dozen apps installed.
I have dozens of apps (but anecdotally many fewer than average) for a bunch of things. I have 3 book readers from different vendors. I usually use one, but if the book I want isn't available, I try the others. I have several streaming video apps which I use when traveling. I have a metronome and various audio recording apps for practicing music. I have apps for various airlines for when I'm traveling. I have a few restaurant apps for ordering on the go, but I don't usually use them. I also have several games. Then there are simple info apps like the standard stock app, weather app, maps, etc. Also calendar and email. Oh, and I take lots of photos with my phone even though I have a very nice DSLR (which I also use a lot). It's a really useful tool.
I think I'm in the minority in how few apps I use, so it seems to me that you're even more in the minority. And that's fine, but don't assume everyone else uses their device like you do!
If I could get rid of the crapware bundled on my phone without rooting it, I'd have maybe a half dozen apps installed.