Smart phone apps updating

Like others, I get frequent notices to update this or that app on my phone. I don't use many apps so it's not a big deal but I wonder about the various modification of permissions that are granted for some of these updates. I see a trend in commonality across most if not all apps for many of the updates such as:

'modify/delete SD card contents'
'prevent phone from sleeping'
'full internet access'
etc.

What is it that drives this type of across the board commonality? New phones or operating systems that come out which require different permissions then the older phones? New popular apps that are developed which require said permissions for increased functionality? Both?

Today I received an update request for a flashlight app with a laundry list of modified permissions. Among those were:
'Your location. Course (network-based) location, fine (gps) location'
Why is this needed for a flashlight app? Maybe to know which way to point the flashlight. :) I don't leave the gps turned on on my phone and I rarely am connected to a wifi spot so I'm not sure what I would gain from this (in my case).

'Network communication. Full internet access'
What does this actually mean, and is it really needed for a flashlight app?

What is your personal policy on these update requests? Do you review in detail each line item of each request and pick and choose which ones you will allow? Or do you give the list a quick glance and then give blanket approval to any/all of them?

Once you allow the update is it possible to go back at a later date and remove the permission modification?

Thanks