I agree with doogald re. this...I've never had an issue on either my Eris or my Droid X regarding battery drain related to the 50% "issue" on both devices. So, at least for me, its a reporting issue and not an issue that impacts me.
However, that's not to say that the OP, NPH-, isn't actually being affected by this. NPH-, have you monitored your signal strength in the place where you and your phone are most of the time? Perhaps it really is an issue where you are getting poor reception and therefore the phone's radio is spending more time and effort (i.e., and draining battery) searching for a signal...
Just a thought...