Network Manager Patch

[Patton Echols]

I am using Network Manager on Edgy with Atheros chipset.  It works, but 
there is a glitch with signal strength reporting.

This is a known issue and a patch exists that is posted here:
http://mail.gnome.org/archives/networkmanager-list/2006-January/msg00141.html

Apparently the maintainer of Network Manager feels that the patch should 
not be in the upstream because it is a driver problem, but he supports 
distribution patches. 

I've also been told that by others who have applied the patch that NM is 
a bit flakey  without it.  And that is my experience too, NM drops 
signal or can't connect, even though an access point is available.

Finally, I've been told that the patch is easy to apply . . . and 
there's the rub.  As a "noob" I have no ideas how I might do something 
like that.  (Love to learn though)  So here are my questions.

1. Is this patch going to show up in  Edgy?
2. Feisty?
3. How does one "easily" (or not so easily) apply such a thing?

If the answer to this last is RTFM, could someone point to the correct 
"FM?"  Understand, I look at the patch, I see source code, and wonder 
WTF do I do with that?   I don't mind a "double black diamond" learning 
curve (*) but it'd be nice to know where the mountain is.

(*) may have to call the ski patrol from time to time  ;-)

Thanks,
Patton