updated my pre to 1.3.5. Now I see 1.3.5.1. Do I need to download every update? Unistalling all my patches is a pain. Also, if I skip 1.3.5.1 can I download the next big update? Can I pick and choose my updates
No, you cannot pick and chose your updates. Eventually your phone will check and see updates are available and automatically download them. It will then install the updates the next time the phone is on the charger.
I may be wrong, but I believe with 1.3.5.1 it is safe to leave any non-calendar patches applied. Hopefully someone can back me up and confirm this was the case.