Unfortunately, there tend to be disconnects (in any large corporation) between development and repair-- especially with new devices. Corporate bureaucracies are a normal (unfortunately) situation that inhibits the spread of information within an organization.

I'm surprised to hear you say that information exchange works fine in Nokia, given what I've experienced. Information flows down well, sure, but the upstream situation... could use serious improvement. Same for outward dissemination of info, especially where field defect discoveries are concerned. I can't say any more on that.

This does not excuse the situation, just explains the biggest stumbling block to resolving the current flawed N800 repair/replacement process.

EDIT: I've repeated this ad nauseum, but the recent reorganization within Nokia and especially the closure of the last US production facility have had a SEVERE impact on reverse logistics.