How do you get Android OS bugs fixed? I recently got an HTC Shift from Sprint. Within days of getting it, I noticed very bad issues with the phone losing sync to 4g, 3g, and wifi; it would not reacquire data connections unless I manually turned 4g on and off. Their tech support people immediately reset the phone to defaults, blamed my problems on an app, and declared victory.

I don't call this a victory. They treated symptoms, but the real problem (assuming it was an application issue) is that the Android OS allowed an application to routinely get their networking stack in a foobar'd state.

Assuming I can reproduce this problem, what is the best way to resolve it?
I assume from your posting that resetting the phone fixed the problem (temporarily).

If you want the problem fixed for good, you can help by trying to narrow down the problem further. This will allow you to address the right people with a very specific request of what needs to be fixed. You should:


Try to reproduce the problem. Install the apps you previously had on your phone one by one until the problem re-occurs.
If you can't reproduce it, there is not much chance of getting this anywhere further. If you can reproduce it:
Try the offending application on a different type and brand of phone.
If the problem exists on all phones, contact the author of the application about the problem and consider raising an issue with Google on their Issue tracker. 
Otherwise try the offending application on a different phone of the same model and brand. If the problem occurs there too, contact HTC telling them which application has that effect and on which phone is does have that effect. Also consider filing and issue with Google as above.
Otherwise, if only your phone is affected, it's probably save to assume it's a hardware defect with your phone. Return it for repairs.