Mute on/off switch problem HELP!!!

[Kevindp]

I sent my iPhone into apple because the mute on/off switch was becoming ridiculously sensitive. I would be sitting and every time I moved my leg it brought itself in and out of silent mode. Every time I lightly touched the switch or even the phone itself it responded with a vibration. Apple deemed it accidental damage and sent it back to me unimpaired. I've tried to research the problem and while it seems it's come up before, I can't find anybody to explain exactly what the problem is, including apple phone support and anybody in my local at&t store (I live in Vermont, the nearest apple store is hours away). Can anybody help?