Note 3 issues (unstable connection, internet connection unstable through this Wi-Fi connection)

I am becoming disenchanted with the Note 3. I have only had these phones for 7 days, and the problems started on day one. The Wi-Fi connection issue is the most frustrating, and I am growing tired of having to explain it to various AT&T reps, though I think they are trying to help. I have followed every step and work around I can find, including a total wipe and restore, and the connection still becomes unstable. This was never an issue with the galaxy 2 and 3 we replaced with the note 3, nor is it an issue with the iPhone 5 and iPad, or either pc's in our house (I think the issue may also be happening with my Samsung tablet T217A). It doesn't matter if I am at home or hitting a hotspot, the issue is the same. There are rumors as to what the problem is- 4.3 update, Samsung's antenna placement, Samsung's weak radio.. no one really seems to agree. Will a potential forthcoming update fix it? Does Samsung even acknowledge that there is an issue? This is something that has affected many note 3 users regardless of carrier, so it seems likely to be a Samsung problem. I am not convinced it can ever be fixed, and fear that I am going to be stuck with a phone that will never achieve its potential.