I had some of the same concerns, and I do not understand why the developers need to access any personal information. But I am new to this smartphone thing and there may be a reason. I can see apps that taylor themselves to your personal preferences seeing what you browse or your location. But not much of anything else. I just don't get why they need the info.
It is hard to give an explaination without you giving me an example of what you are talking about specifically, but for example purposes, I will use ChompSMS
It needs access to your Messaging... Obvious Enough.
It needs access to your Personal Information... well it wouldn't be very useful if you couldn't select your contacts
It needs access to storage... to save and write files
It needs access to phone calls... so it can stop and not interfere when phone is ringing and doesn't pop up a message when you are using the phone.
It controls Services that cost you money... not everybody has unlimited FREE SMS, and for everybody else SMS costs, or potentially costs you money.
Not every service in the API, and sometimes because of the library it is using it (in theory) has access to more information than it may need. But that is why it allows you to see it (though some complain about having to see that information when installing an app).
When in doubt, e-mail the developer and ask him(her) why. If they can't give you a satisfactory answer, then don't download it.
