Here is what I just emailed Verizon:
"Hello,
Recently a member of Customer Service agreed to replace my HTC device after weeks of ongoing non-inventory and repeated confusion, which I was very thankful for; the phone should be arriving this week. However, as a stated stipulation I failed to truly realize the implications of at the time, I was forced into a new 2yr contract with Verizon. I have been out of contract for quite some time, and had already been migrated over to Verizon as a result of the merger outside of my control, and was merely receiving a replacement for a device that was still under factory warranty - I had been trying to get the correct replacement for quite some time and gone through several steps to do so.
I wanted to express my discomfort and respectful dissatisfaction with the subtle and stealthy method of the attached contract extension clause I was told I had to abide by in order to receive customer service. I honestly do not believe receiving fair customer service concerning a phone replacement is just-cause for an automatic mandatory contract signing. If I could candidly express my feelings through an example, it would be like wrecking into someone with my car, and informing them my auto coverage would take care of their needed repairs, as long as they became a customer of that policy provider for future coverage.
I will leave the decision in the hands of the Verizon Management, but I would feel very mislead and exploited if I didn't at least share my feelings on this matter. I have no intentions of going to any other cellular carrier in the future, and am actually considering upgrading down the road, as I always did with Alltel; I just personally don't believe in the overall handling of the situation. I am sincerely hopeful that Verizon will please see eye to eye with me on this matter, and allow me to remain a customer, without the need to sign a contract in order to receive mutually satisfactory support.
Thank you very much for your thoughtful consideration"