i really doubt this is a totally new design for VZW. Likely just slightly modified to use on their network. So this is not a real surprise versus ANY of the iPhones ever coming out this same way. I also agree no one holds their phone like this AND without clearing a cache and reloading the same exact page isnt really a great test right?
I have the same problem with my htc TP2. Shield the phone with internal antenna with my hands and the signal goes to no bars. Why do they call it the "death grip"? I thought the "death grip" was what you do to rip a person's throat out of his neck with your thumb and fingers. Gripping the iphone sure didn't kill sales last year. The only reason why people report this on the iphone is because it is the most popular phone in the world.