>> it looks like Nvidia is going down that route
It sure does, as has many other companies with their software. Why they enable by default services for items that the majority wont have Ive no idea.
EDIT: I would leave the folder alone for now until the next time you un-install & re-install the Nvidia Driver but this time remove that folder and that folder will be rebuilt but this time it only show the files you need.
Ive renamed the folder to nvidia_crap
So far it doesnt seem to have affected anything, but admittedly I havent had to reboot yet. As far as I can see the parts I want are under program files/nvidia, and the junk is at the root of c:
I can easily put the name back if anything breaks.
Judging by the state of their forums and the fact they still havent got to the bottom of the black screening, then I think I shall stick with these drivers for quite a while.
Thank you for your input - appreciated