After you posted your initial topic, there was a big discussion on the Joomla developer group about the activation issue where you have to be logged out to activate an account. This is a confirmed issue with Joomla itself right now, but looks like it's getting some attention:
groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/joomla-dev-cms/U3_9fkH4JGs
As for the social buttons on the activation page, please edit the /libraries/sourcecoast/easyTags.php file. Around line 78, you'll see:
if ($option == 'com_users' && $view == $selView)
Update that to:
if ($option == 'com_users' && $view == $selView && JRequest::getCmd('layout') != 'complete')That will prevent our social buttons from being added in the 'complete' layout view, which is shown after a user successfully registers or activates their account.
I hope that helps, but as always, let us know if you need anything else!
Thanks,
Alex