IIs there any possibility that maemo.org/Quim could give a commitment that faulty N900 devices purchased through DDP would be replaced within the first year (assuming there is no obvious user abuse)?

We're probably - hopefully - talking about a small number of devices out of the 300 or so that might be purchased which then go on to develop a fault, but it would at least give peace of mind to purchasers who might otherwise not get involved any further with Maemo 5 or worse, purchase a competing device and leave the community entirely (as they won't be able to afford an N900)