i think the complaints on the screens are dying down, meaning Apple is fixing the problem. I also think it was only a small period of time the laptops were crap, which i guess happens.
I do have a 17" laptop that has crap illumination, but a rep from Corporate Executive Relations at Apple contacted me after i emailed them and he assures me he can get me a good laptop. I told him i am sending in for a refund but he told me to reconsider, so i am giving them a chance. He contacted the manager at the local Apple store and i am set up to go in this week to find a laptop to my liking. He seemed certain i will find a laptop to my liking--short of guarantee of course because such things could be considered subjective. So i think at this time the problem may be going away. I originally though it was overblown but then i was surprised to see i received a 'bad' screen. so how big is the problem? who knows. is it going away?...maybe.