You wrote:

Still, it isn't clear whether Torvalds would ever propose moving Linux over to the GPLv3 -- thus it seems likely that TiVo can continue to keep non-TiVo software on its box for a while to come.

Actually, linux is technically a 'kernel' and not an operating system. The popular press refers to 'Linux' as the entire OS, but it is not. The Free Software Foundation is the largest copyright holder of software that is popularly called the 'Linux' operating system (which includes much much more than the 'kernel'). The FSF's license is actually extremely important, which is why Tivo has made a formal disclosure in their most recent SEC filing.

If Apple is in fact using software that falls under the GNU-GPL v3, then they question that the FSF has asked about the extent of this use is actually very relevant.

I bought my iPhone on Friday night at 11pm and had a perfectly wonderful experience at the Apple Store on 5th Ave in Manhattan. I was in and out with my new shiny, pretty thing in 20 min. The service was knowledgeable and efficient. Conversely, my experience with ATT has been a nightmare. I started the activation process on line at midnight. ATT quickly deactivated my Treo but failed to complete the operation. I have been without cell phone service for nearly 48 hours. Calling ATT customer service was useless. The staff is over worked and under-informed. I was on hold for 2 hours, transferred from department to department and to sent to India and back. Customer service told me I should be patient and wait. My service should be activated within the week. I feel powerless against these giant corporations.