Back again with another update.
Sent my completely frozen phone to Samsung service center in Germany (DAT Repair GmbH)....just got it back. Had it on about 30 minutes and it has frozen 5 times. I think it is mid number 6 right now.
I am going completely ape at the moment. Two weeks without the phone, get it back, and it boots up then freezes a few minutes later. GREAT JOB GUYS!
The delivery note from the repair center translates "We have carried out a new program. Your machine now meets all specifications of the manufacturer". So, apparently freezing phones is a Samsung specification. Good to know
I've about had it with this piece of junk. Between this, and the fact that Kies has NEVER since day one worked right (detects the phone every 3-5 plug-ins....and backup has never actually completely carried out), then their service partner can't fix the thing.
I won't say I'm never buying samsung again, but I sure will be considering other phones ahead of Samsung for my future purchases. This is simply ridiculous. Not just my experience, but the fact so many others are having the same issues as well and nobody seems to be getting it fixed.