I haven't had any of the problems described above. I have an unlocked Nexus, and i am using it with AT&T.. so most of the above described problems doesn't pertain to my phone.
Of course iPhone is iPhone.. i loved my iPhone.. I am just saying Nexus 1 is as cool as an iPhone... and maybe a little bit more.

Well, i think more than what phone you want to use, you should first think about what carrier you want. And when you decide a carrier, then see what phones you can get from that carrier. If the phone you like isn't offered by the career, then try buying an unlocked one.

Check out these videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuVyExV8SYo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw9EbA4KnlI&feature=related

This shall help you decide :)

Take care.