I literally could not agree with you more about your concern. The way everything is set up, seems terrible to me. I have heard this is how the first iphone went as well and look at them now, but there is still cause for concern. I do not have a N1 but I have looked thoroughly through Google's official forums to take a look at what kind of problems people are having, things they dislike, and things they enjoy. When there is a problem, more times than not, there is no answer for these frustrated people! What are they supposed to do? The situation is in no way ideal; unless everything has gone perfectly with your phone but as a phone carrier, you cannot expect that.
In respect to this thread, its one of the main reasons I want to see how the Incredible plays out as far as a date of release and support.