RE: "Explain to us how you know that OSX in its full version (including network components like a firewall) is implemented on the device"

I don't, but here's the facts.

1) Fact: OS X in its full version has a built-in firewall.

2) Fact: iPhone is running OS X (in some version).

3) Fact: It would make sens that #2 includes the firewall portion

4) Fact: Yet Gartner AND YOU are assuming #3 is false.

RE: "Anyone who knows the space can clearly see that the iPhone is NOT ready for the enterprise. ....... Because that runs counter to everything that has been reported, so you must have an early release device if you know that for sure."

Interesting. You're trying to imply that "you know the space" about enterprise-class mobile phones and how the iPhone does or doesn't fit in with that class, yet it's quite obvious you've never even touched one, and are relying on (inherently incomplete) second or third-hand reports to argue against people who DO have one.

RE: "Exchange admins, indeed most mail admins, do not like IMAP. "
Really? News to me. Oh, I'll buy the "Exchange admins" part of it, but the only places I've worked where IMAP is NOT enabled are places using Exchange. In reality, it's that Microsoft doesn't like IMAP, because IMAP is a standardized format that works well with other (non-Outlook) e-mail clients, so Microsoft wants to make IMAP less attractive. There is NO REASON IMAP can't be used, except that Microsoft does a better job of supporting their own Exchange protocol in both the Exchange server and Outlook client than they do in supporting more open protocols such as IMAP and WebDAV.

RE: "Lastly, the device has NO provision for policy enforcement, remote wipe, cert install, etc. "

How do you know this as the fact you're portraying it to be? Have you used one? Do you work at Apple? No? Why am I not surprised?