Greetings fellow San Diegan, sorry to hear about you feedback issues with the BP100, I had them as well. I had an intermittent static/crackle (like a Geiger counter) associated with some low frequency sounds, periodic random feedback and of course the false low battery beeps. When it wasn't generating its own noise and feedback it was solid gold, but I wasn't willing to settle for any type of feedback. Cochlear had my BP100 3 times and told me nobody else was having this problem (referring to the static) before I inquired about an offer to swap for an Intenso in January (I was borderline for the Intenso when I had my surgery in 10/09). I don't have a problem with the size of the Intenso, and while the sound quality is not quite as clear as the BP100 I have had no feedback or static at all (I think I am getting the false low battery beeps though). I know how awful it is being without your processor, but don't let them off the hook until your happy and feedback free.
Also, you do not need surgery to change the abutment; it is a 5 minute procedure in the Dr's office, no pain, meds, or anesthesia. I had to have my abutment changed to the (then) new taller one last January just before processor switch on to avoid skin overgrowth.
Good luck, Brian