Been more or less lurking for the last couple days grazing over posts just waiting for something official. I've found it hard to really become engaged in this thread lately because of the tone its taken on. It is not my place to judge or stomp in with some self-righteous rant, but I do have two questions to pose (and I'll provide my own thoughts in an answer):
Why are some folks getting worked up over semantics?
These associates have a job to do and at this point in the year it can be a tough job (I've been there, many times over many years). I think many people are genuinely interested and frustrated with the situation. But still, I think others are pushing-- thinking they hold some trump card. Hoping they rant and rave enough to get their way or back an employee in to a corner where the outcome results to their liking, regardless of the real world implications or facts. Some people here are calling out VZW, BB and RS for deceptive and unethical behavior while at the same time trying to lure employees into selling a phone that is explicitly NOT for sale, which could result in drastic consequences for the employee (whether they're aware or not). How is that ethical?
Finally; why do some act as if they are entitled to all these answers, and that VZW OWES us something-- OWES us this phone?
We are getting worked up and angry over something we're not even supposed to know! We have gone behind their backs, solicited private information, put peoples jobs/livelihoods at risk to obtain said information that was NEVER meant for public consumption. And NOW we're mad? NOW we're blasting THEM for unethical behavior?
No, there is nothing wrong with a consumer who wishes to be informed. But lets face this fact: what we know, we were never supposed to know. With out this knowledge, we would never be where we are right now-- calling out employees for saying they don't have stock, (which who knows, maybe their shipments haven't arrived), or denying they have information on the phone even though we've seen screen shots of their systems.
Again, there is nothing wrong with a consumer who wishes to be informed and gathers information. But just remember how we've obtained this information and try and exercise more reasonable judgement when calling for peoples heads. We're all frustrated, but I for one, will continue to wait as patiently as I can... and hope my current phone doesn't kick the bucket before it lands.
sudo/end_rant