Huh? Apple's PR letter specifically says that their 'mistake' has been there since the "original iPhone". And the 'grip of death' can kill calls and more importantly, IMO, affects data transfer rates (as I use my iPhone more as a browser than a phone and naturally hold it the 'wrong way') so I'm not sure why you conclude it's not a real issue.
Gruber has never tired of making jokes at AT&T's expense even though he personally has great service in Philly and AT&T has the fastest network. Let's see if he brings the same level of snark to his Apple and Jobs posts henceforth.