[HTC Excalibur] Profezza:
Having been through 3 Dashes, getting ready for my fourth, I have some idea, although our experiences have been different in several ways. And the support experience varies with every call, to me. I also got in a nasty 3-way dance with wirefly/inphonic and T-Mobile, so I have talked to them quite a bit.

The dash is the "comparable model" most likely because it is a) Windows Mobile, and b) readily available in new and refurb lots c) (possibly) research has shown them that people seem to like it better and migrate from one to another WM phone best. (with the lowest support costs.)

Can't say why the BBerry Pearl, with the same price as a dash, isn't comparable too. I am sure it is sturdier. Perhaps you could have had that or a Shadow, but had to do it when you switched models before. No telling. Are refurb MDAs even around anymore?

Keep in mind this is nerdy speculation by me. Based on my past experience with T-Mo, I might even keep asking them until I got a real answer from them, but it would take a long time to cut through the corporate layers of babble.

At this point, with the wing's reputation, it is a poor seller and some places non-stock, or cheaper than a dash. I wouldn't take one, for example, which suggests a current worth below MSRP. Actually, I am surprised its still on the official site, considering the competitors offerings. I suppose its just filler until the TMo 3g phones arrive later this year.

I would think so. Or at least the cost you no more than the difference between current prices, at the most strict of businesses. This is where polite escalation and a healthy dose of empathy, sincere or not, makes a difference. Keep asking for what you want, and ask them how you can help them make it happen.

I am not offended. However, you might remember, you didn't appeal with a an issue like, "I'm having a hard time with T-Mo, does anyone have any suggestions on how to improve my chances of getting what I want?" Instead, you exclaimed something like "T-MO is teh SUXOR, can I get an Amen?!?!" No, I am sorry, if everyone else has had generally positive experiences, we aren't going to go, "Amen". That would just be silly.

Additionally, if you really don't give a damn about how others are doing, or evoke a demeanor as if you do, why should anyone else do that for you? I'll loan a friend $20 bucks, but not a stranger because we relate to each other, and support each other's aspirations. If you don't do that with the people here slightly, expecting it back would be ludicrous.

The only advice I can give you is for the future. And this is approximately what they said to me -- if ANYTHING is wrong, or I am not satisfied in ANY WAY call them ASAP. If they cant fix it instantly, they will the timestamp of the problem, and refund as needed. But if I miss the date of the billing cutoff, by a minute, I am SOL (for the billed period). And, now, I do exactly that, If my home key even clicks funny, they get a 611 from me.

However, even with things documented it can be a pain in the ass. After multiple calls to multiple supervisors, and two supervisors' supervisors, I managed to get the second one to see that I had really done my part and finally correct an error on their part from three months prior (with a credit to account), so if you stay diligent and make a "buddy" things can always improve.

I think a lot of them feel this is a place for hacking, deving or modding their HTCs, and talking about it. Based on the name of the site, I'd guess they are right. The Internet is a very big place, and people have suggested other spots where you might find a more automatically sympathetic ear. I don't wish you away, but it seems that the wavelengths don't quite match up at the moment.

As far as sucking it up, it depends on what you really want. A phone? A gadget that is fun? An organizer? Your dignity when facing off against a big evil corporation? This is real life, you have to buy ****loads of insurance, read all the fine print, and you will still get burned sometimes. I'm not just talking about any phone carrier. So, as one regular guy to another, I have to say, "Suck it up - Somewhat" Choose your battles, and then fight smartly to achieve what you want. If you aren't through with T-Mo, get sharper for the next fight. If all you want to do is convince someone here of your truth just remember it isn't the only by-god truth ...and that time spent won't help you get your phone fixed. Unless, I suppose, it has given you determination or insight...