As we look around the Web, it's amazing just how much vehemence is being directed at Consumer Reports. As you probably know, CR gave the iPhone 4 its highest smartphone rating, 76 out of 100 (2 points greater than an Evo 4G and iPhone 3GS), yet did not recommend the phone because of its well-known antenna issues. Then, it went so far as to recommend Apple give its customers free cases. Oh, the mud was a'slingin'.

On their post about Apple "doing the right thing," there are plenty of negative comments, and even those saying they cancelled their subscription to CR, because of the review. What's interesting is that there are tons of supporters of CR, as well.

The issue has become one of those that has no middle ground. You are either, it seems, firmly in Apple's camp, or (if an Apple support is asked) a jerk or liar. At least, that's the way it seems. One such:

I've subscribed to CR for a decade.

This whole thing is ridiculous. Why don't you describe how holding any cell antenna attenuates reception? Why don't you acknowledge that there is a bug in the "bars" display and therefore you can't be sure what you are measuring?

And another:

You've helped me make a long-overdue decision. After decades of being one of your subscribers I will not be renewing the next time around. [...]

[...] you had to rush to insult Apple (in real time this time) with that duct-tape-on-the-iPhone-4 deal, even after first lauding the phone for the tour-de-force it is. This was not objective reporting.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the fence:

Jim, sounds like you have had too many sips of the Apple Kool-Aid. If this had been Microsoft, your reaction would have probably been different; however, as it is St. Steve's company, he can do know wrong I guess.

Remember, Jim, Apple is a corporation and not your best friend.

BTW, I have always been partial to Macintosh computers and have owned many. But even our heroes have flaws and CU pointed out that the emperor wasn't wearing some clothes.

And still more:

Dear Myopic Apple Apologists,

We understand your devotion to your iPhone. Blind devotion however is unbecoming. When you can carry on an intelligent conversation without blindly defending your beloved Apple device feel free to contribute. You love the image owning an iPhone portrays. We all buy certain items out of vanity. But please stop disparaging this fine publication and it's efforts to report its unbiased findings. Your efforts are transparent and embarrassing. It's okay to admit the Emperor has no clothes.

Since the issue appears "fixed" if one uses a case, or even one of Apple's bumpers, that's the recommended course by many. One could say that no one in their right mind would carry around such an expensive device without a case. Still there are many who like a bare device.

CR simply says that Apple should fix the issue. Whether it's hardware, or software, that's what it wants done, and at no end user expense. It doesn't seem like that is so much to ask.