google analytics, google sitemap wp automatic upgrade add to my subscriber recent posts are also well known and essential plugins.
I don't use the majority of the plug-ins you listed, but I do use a few of them. I think the important point that I'm taking away from this thread is not to run too many plug-ins as they will slow down your blog. I think I'm running about 15 currently which I could definitely trim down and will. Also, I think it's important that if you can do certain things without a plug-in like your site stats, then outsourcing to a service is probably a better option. I use the Statpress plug-in for stats and I like it a lot, but in reading this I just realized that I should probably outsource that task to slim down my plug-in use. Anyway, this is a great thread. +rep
I've heard nothing but bad things about that post rating one. A lot of people have said that once the site grows, it eats a lot of resources. Also, if you try to uninstall it, bad things happen..
I think a related posts plugin is a must have. It is a really nice feature to have on a blog for new or old bloggers alike.
Yeah, these are ultimate plugins one must have. I use them all , syntax highlight plugin is new one for me.