[neudof]

In my experience for repairs you are always going to get the best experience from a Sprint Corp store rather than a autorized retailer. The retailers only make money off you if they sell you a new phone or a upgrade to your plan. There is nothing in it for them if you get your phone fixed or replaced.

I have had 5 TP1's and 3 TP2's and never once have never re-locked my phone when taking it in for service. The first troubleshooting step for 99% of issues it for them to do a hard reset, and try again. So I always backup and flash to stock.