Bill,
I wouldn't let this stop you from buying a D800. Buy it from a dealer who will take it back in 30 days if there is something wrong. Then buy it again.
My purchase was seamless, the camera is 100% out of the box, and I am simply DELIGHTED with it. If you want to take some breathtaking images and were planning on getting one.... now is the time. You can brand Nikon Japan complete PR idiots, but it doesn't take away from what a killer photo taking machine the D800 is.
Don't get hung up on this sensor thing. Truly, this is minor. The stupidity of the corporation is minor too. Just cover your own butt, let them worry about the rest. When the pile of returned cameras gets big enough, they will do something about it. This is typical big company, narrow thinking mentality, and toss in a little arrogance.
You take care of Mr Small consumer, hard earned money to spend, first and foremost, but don't cheat yourself out of a great product.
Buy it.
If it isn't 100%, return it.
Get one that is 100% or keep returning it.
My bet is, you won't get one with the problem!