Personally, I think the hardcover is overrated. Unless you're keeping your N800 in the pocket with your keys and your jacks set, then there really isn't much of a risk to the screen. The N800 is faster to get to and put away than the 770, as a long (or double-press) on the power button (well, as soon DSME patches make it into an update if you don't want to use powerlaunch) is quicker than flipping and unflipping the hardcover.

Besides, the huge usability improvement from the various spec upgrades more than outweights any issues one might have with the hardcover.

Regarding the wireless network issue, have you considered a reflash?