Thanks for your comments. I agree that it would be a big risk, if I didn't have the software configuration policies configured like I do. This isn't the way it works at our Co., but say a user brings in his own BB with tons of apps on it. Once we assign our software configuration policy to that device, the policy will remove all applications that we have not specifically whitelisted.
I think I would be ok allowing the downloads, because the software config would eventually remove anything they brought down. However, I suppose there could be an interval there where they could have something installed and it could be a bit of time before the software config forces the removal.
Just an FYI - I continued testing after my post yesterday. The good and bad news is that I was finally able to deploy Google Maps to all my handhelds,
IF I had allowed third party downloads. The good news is that once the application is installed, I can go back to prohibiting third party downloads. A little bit of monkeying around, but that's what I'll be doing going forward. Luckily, I only have 50 devices, and not 1200+