[AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin] Peptobismal:
Okay, so, yes, I know to use the Search function, but alas all information is either outdated or there is no concise answers / solutions to be found. Trust me, I have scoured.

Overview: Okay so Thursday I bought an SGH-i337, being the nerd that I am knowing that I use MetroPCS (can't beat unlimited 4G LTE for $60) I scoured the net and researched ALL models of the S4 and G3. Decided the screen size of the G3 too big coming from a 5C. Decided Sprint's version might work, but not on 4G. Verizon, would switch from LTE to 2G with no 3G support, so that would be a desperation act, haha.

So, my main options were T-Mobile, then AT&T, because MetroPCS and T-Mobile were one and the same. All the people that had T-Mobile based phone sellers were being a pain in the butt to deal with... so, I found an AT&T owner that was ready.

The tragic love story: So on once I used the MicroSIM card in the S4 to cut an old full-size SIM to scale a border around my Nano SIM and finally got it placed perfectly to read... I was happy... which faded quickly as it was locked, how could I be so dumb!

So, the previous owner is now awaiting an unlock code as I found EVERY method to use the UMTS Menu is impossible to get to "[6] Phone Control" option. Due to that silly Auto Updating AT&T bloatware and Kernel upgrade/Firmware.

Okay, I should wait, but... does anyone know a way to get to the Phone Control menu using a secret code?? I have noticed some of the many codes go straight to the Debug Screen or go straight to the other menu options... so could there be one for Phone Control?

Also, maybe is there a way to get the phone to output the NCK Key manually connecting it to a computer and using a prompt? I may have heard about such a thing on SureWest routers through TelNet, to get the administration password... not that I personally have done this. :D Just feel like if these websites are able to use an IMEI number to charge you for a code... it has to be stored on the phone somewhere right?

Rooting and Downgrading

Also, has anyone tried the Odin way of downgrading and rooting these phones, has personally worked for them? I have found the threads on here and it seems pretty interesting... when I look at previous versions of Droid they look to allow more functionality for more advanced users than this 5.0, so if that be the case I am interested in taking this back to stock and beginning removal of all AT&T programs.

Maybe I am sounding like an idiot, but I have been on a Jailbroken 5C for... probably 2 years now and even with that it seems limiting to the curious, nerdy, mess with things side of me.

Summary:

- Should I just wait the 2-5 days for the code? / Would downgrading firmwares negate the entered NCK code if used prior to downgrade?

- Are there any known ways to unlock this model fully upgraded?

- Should I use the Odin methods of downgrading to stock? / Do you prefer previous versions over 5.0?

- What problems should have you guys faced / should I consider prior to doing anything?

- Should I just try to find a T-Mobile model of the S4??

Phew, sorry, if you read all of that and hate me for it, haha. Please, be knowledgable and not tell me how dumb I am for being so antsy to be able to use this phone w/o WiFi! Haha, you guys try using a 5C forever and see the screen difference / abilities you've been missing out on for so long!

Thanks!