Verizon doesn't make anything on phones sold at retail. New line promos are for people that need a new line of service, not people who think they deserve free phones because reasons.

Here's some perspective. I've been a Verizon customer much longer than you have and don't feel entitled to anything beyond working service. I pay for network coverage and get what I paid for. The day Verizon can't do that is the day I switch. Sprint/T-mobile here gets emergency calls only with Verizon hitting 3 bars in the same location. A lot good a "free" phone does me if I can't use it.

Bought a Pixel 4a recently for my girlfriend and a Samsung S20 for myself few months back. Both were purchased outside of Verizon unlocked.