I can confirm this for a fresh install of Gutsy on a Dell Latitude D630. If /apps/gnome-power-manager/general/use_time_for_policy in gconf is unchecked and the values for percentages in /apps/gnome-power-manager/thresholds are set to higher values, the low/critical/action-messages are displayed and the policy for critical battery works correctly. The message for fully charged battery is still not displayed, though.
I can confirm this for a fresh install of Gutsy on a Dell Latitude D630. If /apps/gnome- power-manager/ general/ use_time_ for_policy in gconf is unchecked and the values for percentages in /apps/gnome- power-manager/ thresholds are set to higher values, the low/critical/ action- messages are displayed and the policy for critical battery works correctly. The message for fully charged battery is still not displayed, though.