Some clarifications:

Earier version of the FW (<w40) supported Nokia Messaging (NM). I use NM to access my gmail account because the native email client (actually a version of Modest) has a hard time with 9000 inbox emails. Current (40, 41) versions have removed NM support. I expect it will return.

The ISP that hosts our companies Exchange server has some 'funny' settings for exchange. That may be tripping up the client. The server HAS worked in every other version of Mail for Exchange. I expect that will get sorted.

I too have seen a very big improvement in battery life in the w41 FW.