iOS would need a software/UI transition similar to that of the Gingerbread-Ice Cream Sandwich evolution. If Jelly Bean somehow closely resembled Gingerbread today (which it obviously doesn't), then it too would probably be considered stale by bigger number of people. Apple can keep making pretty phones with great cameras and decent to high-end hardware, but it's their software that needs the enhancements the most.
It was the first of the Galaxy S II's to hit the States.
It was the last one to receive its ICS update.
It is the first to receive its Jelly Bean update.
This phone has regained its honor.
The device was NOT the first Nexus to be sold by a carrier. That trophy goes to the Nexus S "4G" on Sprint, a Sprint-only device. Get your facts right.