Problem with the N900 is the very fact its no way an average mobile and many many average mobile users have bought one then realised the implications of it not doing the job the average user is used too, this is Nokia's fault for releasing a mobile without the basic working functions thats common place in 2010, i could even go so far as to say there is nothing in existance like the N900 in any way or form yet and its come as a shell shock to many many people thats why they are ranting and raving for the firmware to be upgraded.
Anyhow i am not having an argument or losing my rag in any way regarding the changing of imei but suffice to say whatever discussion regarding imei it just cannot be changing it without some radical reason because it IS illegal near enough world through now and manufacturers themselves are only too aware of the implications, this is why they will only do this themselves usually so that stolen does not come into the equation in any way or form.
Incidently imei is instantly trackable to its owner or seller so before any talk could possibly take place at least that side of it would have to be proven and out of the way.
Very very sticky subject to talk about .