Thanks for the advice. I am running the custom rom you posted, Scott, but have not otherwise tinkered with the radio. I have found the diversity of functions the device can manage wonderful, though it has been a bit finicky and required me to be a cautious and aware user. In short, it's a damned cool device but does require a great deal from the user to use it well. That's really all fine and good with me, if the reception issue wasn't going on.
I'm headed into the store to tinker with an Omnia today before I pull the trigger.
The hard part is I am home for a week and won't be on the road to test the dropped calls problem again until after my return period expires.
So, it looks like I will have to make a call without being able to test the telus radio.