Well eternal_fantasy, I'm not really a 'hater'. Considering I still want to buy one of these phones myself?
I just think the reception issues are not a 'blown out of proportion' thing as many people are stating. It is simply not good enough.
Its good you are still happy with using your bumper and so forth, but that doesn't change anything unfortunately. Many people do not want to use one/will refuse to use one due to the situation.
Clearly I'm a drama queen, I wish I had £500/600 to throw around without pause for thought like you do.
Oh, just to add, I am impressed with the camera from those pictures above, lovely dog too.