There is an alternative; call apple support, tell them whats going on and how you've read they are aware of the issue and say you'd like a replacement phone. Once they agree (hopefully not too much push back on that...they're apple and usually want to please the customer), tell them you are too far from an apple store to reasonably go there for a swap and that you would like your new phone mailed to you. Then, mention that you cannot be without your phone because you use it for work/school/whatever so you'd like to send your phone in once you receive the new one. I can't remember the specifics at this point, but they may ask for your credit card for a deposit in case you don't mail them back the phone and keep both. Hope you try this and it works, I think it will if you are polite but adamant.
