I think this article explains the two issues [attenuation & detuning] in layman’s terms and references your article as well. It also answers the question of why the phone is not dropping calls:
What Exactly Did Apple Do?
http://www.businessweek.com/idg/2010-07-17/iphone-4-faq-what-exactly-did-apple-do-.html
Here’s the quote answering my question [Quoting]
So, even though the iPhone 4 experiences the customary cell phone signal reduction, and in addition significant detuning, the vast majority of users won’t see dropped voice calls (though they could have slower 3G data transfers, which may or may not be noticeable).
The reason, says Webb, is because 1) you don’t need a big channel for a voice call and 2) the voice codecs and compression algorithms and all the rest of the related technology is really forgiving: your signal has to be really stomped on or really weak to start with to drop a call.
It’s pretty clear, Bunny and Rachel, you don’t have a technical background nor do you care about it. If you’re happy supporting a company that is outright lying to cover their butts, if the ends justifies the means, then by all means continue to state that Apple is the same as all others.
Read the quote you selected; it CONFIRMS EXACTLY WHAT I STATED. The iPhone has ADDITIONAL ATTENUATION that other phones don’t have. Apple freaking LIED about it, and you bought it. Stop and think - the company you so love is LYING OUTRIGHT TO YOU, and slandering other companies and the industry as a whole just to keep their precious fanatics happy.
NO OTHER PHONE has the same problem. None. Nada. You claim they do, but you’re just parroting a lie from apple. You’re proving your ignorance time and again, and really don’t have a clue about reality. If you don’t want to learn, then don’t get upset when you’re treated like technological children.
Enjoy your iPhone 4!