For those that don't have the time to browse the Apple forum I referred to here is a summary by the originator of the thread.
"gloede99
Apr 7, 2015 6:57 PM
Re: iPad2 not connecting to 2.4Ghz Wireless Networks in response to spachner
Spachner,
I'm the original person that started this thread and Lasse_Moell actually discovered the root source of the problem. My story was a very long one but to sum it up, I basically upset Apple enough that they started deleting my post because I was violating the terms of this forum. What I posted were things like case numbers which not only helps them cause the two original cases opened inthe US and Europe have lots of technical details, but also helps those customers that are less technically than myself or Lasse. Other things that were deleted were links to pages that Apple has known about this issue for A LONG time ( search for this subject on web sites that have the number 9 and the number 5 in the URL ). Sorry I can't tell you the site or numbers cause for sure they will delete them. Also mysteriously I stopped receiving notifications from this web site when this thread gets updated. Why....who knows? Anyway my story ended well, but by far it is not the most common.......Apple did replace my out of warentee iPad 2 but it was a 3 month battle, calls to HQ's, and very technical debugging where there was no technical response to our findings. Unfortunately the cheapest and less trouble "fix" the consumer holds the answer....buy a dual band router and replace your working one you have. My only other suggestion is Lasse told me in Europe you have some sort of consumer protection for electronics ... kind of and extended warentee from the European Union..... Hopefully I am explaining it so you understand. Good luck."
The problem started in iOS 7 and still exists in 8.2, so much for response time or quality.
As to the high price and middle of the road performance for those that don't understand, it's called "Bang for your Buck". It has nothing to do with whether it works or not.