Steve,
A concerned Apple fan
I write this as an avid Apple product enthusiast and iPhone developer. I have been a loyal switcher since 1999. I have owned and loved products in every Apple product line starting as early as the Newton. I write this letter because I fear Apple is losing some of its drive for perfection in every product it makes.
The Flaw (Antennagate)
Picking up any iPhone 4 in most normal grips can make it difficult or impossible to make a call or view a web page in a low signal area.
The Reality Distortion Field
You say this is normal for all phones. You say this can be easily fixed with one of many cases on the market. You say even with this issue, the iPhone 4 signal potential is the best of any device made. All of these things may be true, but the iPhone 4 still exhibits a significant flaw.
The Expectation
The 3G iPhone did not expose the antenna flaw in the same way. It maintained reasonable signal in almost any grip. As you are fond of saying, "It just works." The iPhone 4 does not just work like its predecessor. It must be held in a specific way or encased. It does not live up to Apple's higher standards.
The Result
In most real use situations this problem does not affect me. As a problem, it is blown way out of proportion by the media and the highly vocal and disappointed fan base. The real problem is we are disappointed. We feel betrayed by a company that so regularly provides us with products that just work.
The Solution
Any solution that allows us to use the iPhone 4 in low signal areas without a case would satisfy our high expectations. This could mean a spray on poly-urethane in an Apple store (if such a solution solves the problem) or a full recall to replace the antenna. A bumper is a band-aid. Apple's loyal supporters expect more.
Respectfully,
Derrek
CTO All Of Zero