Apple invited Gruber as press to the iPhone 4 Antennagate conference last year. He was also invited to the opening of the Philly Apple Store. Apple isn't the only one reaching out to Gruber — Google sent him a Nexus S for review as well (which I don't think he ever got around to writing).
This is eerily similar to the situation that Android phone manufacturers face from the carriers—either let Verizon et al get their cut and impose their restrictions or don't get access to their network. Verizon is routinely critizied for sticking their fingers in others' pies. On the other hand Apple gets accused of "improving the experience for users".