It's not a problem of generations or tech. If what that guy is saying is true, it's just rushed manufacturing, which has been a problem for the iPhone4 this whole time.
The antenna problem is also supposedly a problem with the signal meter, not the actual reception. This makes a bit more sense to me, as the human body usually works to boost signals, not weaken them.
There is a real issue here though, the utterly botched launch.
The system going down, the order mixups, now rushed products. Even though this was probably one of the most anticipated launches this year, there was absolutely ZERO quality control or preparation. Maybe next time Apple will test their products and prepare shipments before sending them out to people. Then again, probably not, even they seem to be thinking that their customer base is just moronic sheep that will buy whatever has an apple on it.