For the lens cover it could be so easy...
Just release it without lens cover as it seems currently designed and put a light sensitive sensor under it like at the N900 but don't use it.
This way they could sell a seperate, thicker back cover including lens cover that interacts with the sensor. Everybody would be fine and they could earn more money.
The ones that want a thin device and the others that wants more comfort and a protected camera lense.

But I guess something like this works only at small, innovative Companies without much bureaucracy and a influential quality management system.