I got my macbook pro two weeks ago, it is actually just turned 3 months old (I got a discount on it because it had been sold and brought back to the store for a refurb but had nothing wrong with it).
I have started to use core duo temp software to monitor the cpu temp. It has not gone over 58 degree C in two weeks. It does get hot, but for "normal" usage it is OK (doesnt burn you) if you have it on your lap. I class normal usage as iTunes, web browsing, email etc. Burning an iDVD project or heavy (+10gb file) iMovie editing it got too hot for me to keep on my knee comfortably but not burning hot. I even edited a +2gb PSD file in photoshop last week, it was slow but wasnt too hot to have sat on my lap.
Overall I think that people expect too much, this is a very thin and small (if a little heavy) portable computer, most of the time you should use this on a desk or flat surface. Like I am right now, and my wrists are a little warmed by the computer but nothing serious.
I am very happy with the heat of my MacBook Pro and it does not bother me 95% of the time.
Hope this helps