We now are starting to see some independent reports confirming my experience... as well as my disapproval:

http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?showtopic=41843

http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?showtopic=41846

SOLUTION:  To remove the Startup entry, and disable the tray icon, there are TWO steps required:

1) First, under Options/Monitoring, UNcheck the box to Enable SYSTEM Monitoring [which I had done].

2) Then, you must go to Options/Advanced, and UNcheck the box to Enable ACTIVE Monitoring.

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EDIT:  The above instructions apply to build x.4842.

Under x.4844, both boxes appear under Options/Monitoring.

Thanks for the heads-up, ky.

Like so many useful utilities, it seems CCleaner has sacrificed simplicity for annoyance. I can live with my current version also.

Note:   CCleaner offers a "warning" when you choose to disable this latest "feature".  I would describe it as a "scare tactic", pressuring users into keeping Active Monitoring enabled. For those who intentionally wish to disable active monitoring, it's safe to proceed here.

In response, CCleaner has already released a new minor build, x.4844.  

I have not downloaded/tested it, nor do I plan to... From a description I've read, it would seem all this does is move the

Enable ACTIVE Monitoring

option to the options/monitoring tab (it was originally under options/advanced)

to make it easier to find.   Even so, there are still TWO option boxes there [the other being Enable SYSTEM Monitoring], both of which need to be unchecked to turn off this new "feature".

For those still interested, the SLIM build is now available.