It > that (as some have noticed) this problem is more prevalent on older handsets. I bought mine in November when they first came out. While I ran Android 1.5, the problem did not appear. When I downloaded the 2.1 "leaked" version, the problem did not appear. HOWEVER, when I re-downgraded to 1.5 and received the 2.1 OTA update, the problem popped up. I received a replacement eris the other day and (knock on wood) this problem has not appeared on the new phone.
HOWEVER Android 2.1 performs pretty poorly on the Eris.
After 4 tries, Verizon has agreed to ship me an Incredible.
Now just to wait and see whether they make good...