I've also read about editing the customize.xml file, but haven't looked into it too far. As far as the shutter sound on the Rogers phone, it's possible it's hardwired into the phone. I think I read somewhere a couple years back that it's illegal for cell phones in Canada to have a silent shutter sound. Something about too many upskirt shots being taken without people noticing.

My girlfriend just bought an unbranded UK model W910 (beautiful phone, btw) and she can turn off the shutter sound fine.