Speaking from my own experience. I know bad batches exist on eReaders so it's possible that what's wrong with the T1.
I've had a bad K4 and had to exchange it for another one. Which isn't perfect compare to others who gotten a K4 and didn't have to be modified it at all. I know several others who had to exchange their K4 or return it due to contrast issues but the K4 is stable. I've never had it crash or freeze except using the browser. It's just getting a screen contrast that makes you happy.
Several T1 users are having freezing/crashes right out of the box with hardly any books on it. From the threads I've read there is no common factor in the crashes. No one wants a reader that isn't stable so go with a Kindle or another reader that is stable.
Those who got a stable T1 are lucky just like those who got a good K4 with great contrast are lucky. It doesn't mean that either party is wrong. It just means There is more risk to take in buying one then a reader that doesn't have these issues.
The Kindle Touch looks like a really good alternative to the T1.
