Hmm, I would not underestimate the convenience of having them out the outside easily accessible, especially when you consider that switching off radios at the moment should also help with battery consumption? (<- this is an assumption; I don't own either device and cannot test this)
Ha, I meant linux folks don't mind inconveniences like having to recompile the kernel, like having to use jtag and having the take the back off to access switches. :)
Ha, I can't help but think this is something linux folks won't even think twice about. :)