...and those phones that were used off campus (*cough* Gizmodo *cough*) were covered in disguise cases, which, as we know, don't exhibit the problem.
Nevertheless, I am still somewhat surprised that the issue was not uncovered previously, leading me to believe that the sample and testing models that were initially produced did not exhibit this problem - so it could be a hardware issue affecting the first batch (and, after all, these are made in China - though I doubt it, seeing as how Honhai operates), or a software issue based on the signal selection algorithm.
Apple's software no longer selects the strongest signal, but instead the highest quality signal available - this is a departure from the standard way of doing things. It's quite conceivable that as part of this new code, some unforeseen conditions (fluctuations of the readings caused by galvanic skin response) would throw the algorithm a curve ball. We'll know soon enough.
As for the PC World article -- you do know the meaning of 'satire', as I seriously hope that you don't think that's a serious article.
HTC, Motorola, Samsung, LG, et al... Oh, I'm sure they are laughing. Well, until the first weekend's, first week's and first month's sales are released by Apple.