When will Apple fix the iPod Touch 2gen audio dropout issue?

My 2gen iPod Touch has a repeatable & verifiable issue with audio dropouts when playing Apple Lossless files. The dropouts are in random places & at random times. The current work around is to leave the screen on, thereby draining the battery.

I have seen many customers of the latest iPod Touch complain about this same issue, but so far have been told that it is of little interest to Apple at this time. An acknowledgment of the issue & how it will be addressed in a forth coming update would go a long way to helping deal with the issue.

Thanks