That bug tracker is for AOSP code issues, not issues related to any specific device, so contacting customer support is the best route for the problem no matter who sold you the device.

The bug tracker at https://code.google.com/p/android/ is for AOSP issues. Anything to do with a device specific issue should be reported to the OEM and not logged in that bug tracker.

The reason that this hadn't been closed before is probably the lack of resources to cope with the number of non-AOSP bugs reported in that tracker. The more critical issues will ripple up from OEMs to Google if necessary, and that is unlikely to happen via the community focused AOSP bug tracker you've linked to.

The N4 was explicitly Google branded hardware with Google providing the hardware support (Google handled RMAs, component replacement, etc). It is Google's responsibility to support phones they sell as Google supported devices.

It is no different than when you buy a car. You go to a Ford dealership, they sell you a car, its their responsibility to repair and maintain your car during the agreed upon warranty period. You wouldn't tell someone to "file a ticket" with Ford instead of calling their dealer, would you?

Exactly; You shouldn't file a ticket in this system for specific consumer devices. It's not the right place for those kind of issues, you should find the appropriate consumer support route.

You've misinterpreted me. The AOSP bug tracker is exactly the right place to file bug reports for Google sold devices. Google takes on the responsibility of supporting those devices, hardware and all.