Not sure if I can help you. I have experienced a "similar" issue with the ttf-droid package (or whatever its name is, the one with the android font).

Every now and then apt-get or FAM will warn me that they intend to remove the package (HAM does it without telling me first).

Seems like since no package depends on it, they think I don't want/need it (even though I have repeatedly and explicitly installed it myself, not merely as a dependency).

I know there is a way to lock a package, but that solution seems "dirty" to me.

[FLAME ON] I really wish Nokia had used Slackware as a basis for the N900. I love my N900, but I hate all things Debian-ish. [FLAME OFF, I'm really sorry].