Verizon will only offer the same phone (refurbished) as a replacement for your current phone. Verizon offered me an early upgrade option after 1 year on my contract when the HTC Thunderbolt came out. I don't know if I was an isolated case because of a corporate discount or if others will get the same offers. I used my upgrade for the Xperia Play.
If you are stuck for awhile without an upgrade option, the cheapest route is to add a line which will bring your monthlies up. The add a line option will cost you "x" amount per month plus another $30/month for unlimited data. I would only do that if I was thinking of adding a line in the first place because after a few months you could have bought the Play at retail.
I would call Verizon and see if they could work something out with you. I would give them all the issues you have been having with your current phone. If you are at least a year in your contract, they may be able to offer an early upgrade option. The worst they can say is no and you just have to wait to find a used one or wait for your upgrade time.
