iphoto needs quite a learning to use.Put the finder in "quick view" mode and use the cover flow like feature. Or maybe you should be using iPhoto
Oh, and about the "permanent delete". The "rm" command in Terminal does that. But it does require that you type two characters and then drop the item to be "removed" and hit "enter". But why not drag to trash then at some later point empty the trash?
I guess preview and quicklook are better options...
Also my oinch to zoom is not working in ANY of thez applications..