I'd say the holes work definitely if you want the sound to be louder, say, for ringtones. With some of my ringtones, they become way too distorted sometimes when set to the "High" volume level, but sounds just right at "Medium." I'm really considering on doing this, as the last thing I want a great phone that can do almost anything is to put out a shitty-sounding ringtone when I want it to be loud.

SanFrancisco: You're such a smartass, but I love the hate. Keep it up! Hate-hate-hate.