I started the thread and have discovered a few things
- The Wi-Fi antenna is on the front of screen, so when the lid is closed the antenna is affected by a Faraday effect. Software updates cannot fix this
- Wi-Fi will work with the lid closed if the access point/router is very close to the Surface. I have tested this using my phone as an access point or in my the room in my home where the router is placed.
- Opening the lid just a bit helps a lot. Someone in the thread mentioned that placing a plastic sheet between the lid and the keyboard works very well.
None of these excuses Microsoft for not considering the obvious situation where the user wants a clean, streamlined desk when connected to a large screen and other peripherals.