Yes, understand the no contracts, but essentially, if I want the free phone, I need to stay (yes, 30 mo) to keep getting the credits.  To me, it is just another type of spin off from the old contracts. 

Totally agree with you boringusername on length and better deal.  We are switching today.  Just trying to understand how Verizon thinks this is good business...  No big deal, as cell phone consumers, we have options and get to exercise those options.