Dwarden,
For protection against these malcode related Internet threats like this one I also suggest using FireFox 3 with the NoScript plugin (Never use the “allow all this page” option. If you need scripts, allow trusted domains one by one. This way your browser will never load external scripts and iframes with trojans), additionally you can use RequestPolicy extension inside Fx or flock.
I haven't seen a script related vulnerability be it either past, present or future that has not been stopped from running and so doing harm by NoScript, all the browser can read and run, NoScript can read and prevent from running, also we have the additional protection from the avast's shield, so secure.
Well I agree with you to abstain from Adobe as it has been plagued with vulnerilities and security issues so often in the past, that I also would opt for another less vulnerable reader,
polonus