[citation][nom]chronicbint[/nom]I walked out without a case when buying my 3G. I then went and ordered a more suitable case from a 3rd party. Those statistics prove nothing at all. The majority of people I see with high end phones tend to use a case.IF I were to buy an iPhone 4 then it would be a no brainer to get a case to protect my shiny product. While it should not be a necessity the fact that many do buy cases anyway makes it much less of an issue, coupled with the fact that the actual percentage of people who have this issue is quite low too. Out of several friends with an iPhone 4 none can replicate this disastrous issue.[/citation]
For you it may be a no-brainer to get a case, but not for everyone. And while many people with high end phones do use a case, many with the iPhone 4 aren't, however, because in this case they want to show off how beautiful it is (and I must admit, it is a nice looking phone). So the statistics DO say something. I'm sorry, but going from 80% of consumers buying a case with the last model to only 20% of consumers for the new one isn't something to just dismiss.
And I'm glad to hear your friends can't replicate the reception issue; however, there are people who are having the issue. And many websites besides Consumer Reports thoroughly tested the phone and were able to replicate the reception problem. Considering CR has labs, equipment, and trained professionals to test electronics, I'd say that there is almost definitely an issue, whether your friends could replicate the issue or not. Also, there is another issue I have heard surfacing -- the proximity sensor not working when bringing the phone up to your ear, resulting in hitting numbers while talking, hanging up on calls, etc.
It's a problem -- it wasn't the best design, and it wasn't fully and properly tested...period. Coming from Apple, it's more of a surprise compared to other electronics co.'s because of their reputation, both earned and self-created. That's why they are feeling the heat more so than other co.'s...and it's not entirely undeserved.