I agree. Most of these decisions are exactly that, and we do 'get used' to what they give us. So, while I'm grateful (i just saw this: http://www.snopes.com/photos/technology/storage.asp
for what I've got, I still think it's up to users to be vocal about what works and what doesn't. BTW the d-pad is just an example; personally, I happen to think it's ok where it is=tomahto?

The debate may seem silly, but if designers/engineers are following this, it might have some impact on the N900. Or are we too late?

Oh and the marketing guys. I think they have some impact, but I think that on the whole, they're given what we (are about to) get and are told, 'Now, make it pretty'! Cf, apple...