I've heard that ALAC was easier to decode on embedded devices back when they crafted it. FLAC was too processor-intensive, especially because you could choose different levels of compression that would have inconsistent decoding requirements.

Exactly my sentiments.

Nope, this happened to both me and a friend of mine. We went in a store and they changed out the SIM because we couldn't get it to activate yesterday and once they did, it was fucked forever and Apple had to replace the phone. My friend is still having trouble getting Apple to believe him that AT&T bricked it.

DONT FOLLOW THIS ADVICE: Adds an anonymous optimist: "The solution? Call AT&T by dialing 611 and talking to an operator to perform a manual activation with your IMEI and SIM card #, works every time!" It will brick your phone (Apple's servers will reject your phone due to "mismatched SIM" and it will refuse to activate) and you will need to go to an Apple Store for a replacement. I spent all fucking day doing this.