Many of these are solved -- but my way which may not be generally applicable

Note: I'm reviewing 64bit base install

1) As in my 'shout': no 'vi' easily fixed with link to busybox -- but maybe this should be addressed
2) I didn't expect busybox to be available -- don't know if this is documented -- haven't seen it
3) No general GUI level package manager, as suggested I installed 'synaptic' via apt-get
4) Synaptic then showed up in the fluxbox application menu under preferences (odd place) and
was not functional -- no pkexec although the synaptic-pkexc was in /usr/bin (fixed my way with
a link to sudo and a NOPASSWD in sudoers).
5) gparted also has a -pkexec named script -- havn't tried to see if it works.

Further note: initially I tried the 32 bit full install -- but it had a major issue --non-functional netork connection -- giving meassge tha the 300 byte test send failed -- also tried wireless since my sytem
has both -- continuous scan -- nothing ever found. Note the is a multiboot system with severl different distrobutions all of which found at least a wired or wireless network.

I then shifted to 64 bit -- base install -- network worked with no problems. I have not tried the 64 bit full.

Review still in progress .. the system being used is a Dell Vostro 470 with 4GB ram and 8 cores (16 threads) -- about 3 years old.