1) does consumer reports count to you? http://mashable.com/2010/07/12/iphone-4-consumer-reports/
2) yes but you go to Apple and want to buy something and tell them: oh let me wait for next iOS version because it will be new. the response will be that your Apple device will tell you when it can update itself.
I actually think Apple kind of cannibalizing (monetary-wise) itself with the fact that 4th gen iPod, for example can update itself all the way from ios4 to 5. But of course, before bunch of downvotes come in, I think its a good approach that they don't take advantage of this fact and let you enjoy your old device with newest software.
1) Most people don't give a crap that its 'Apple' that even makes the iPhone, or the iPad. Were the iPhone 4 reviews bad? I don't remember there being bad reviews anyway.
2) People dont care about what version number the OS is.. but they know 'new' is better than 'old'.