Just called Verizon wireless, the guy said he "could not confirm or deny" this was an issue and was going to send me a replacement, BUT if they discovered afterwards that it was not their fault, then they would charge me for the retail price. DANG!!!!
BUT WAIT... HE CAME BACK 2 MINUTES LATER AND SAID HIS TECH TEAM DID IN FACT VERIFY THAT IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. THEY ARE SENDING ME A NEW REPLACEMENT. GET IT ON MONDAY!
Be nice when you talk to them, goes a long way
Best of luck!
-John