[BobC]

Actually if it is a PPC6700 you wouldn't take it to a Verizon store - you'd take it to a Sprint store.

As for the fact that it is "blacklisted" as I understand it that just means they've flagged it in their system (blocked out connections from it's ESN) and therefore their system would reject a connection to it (i.e. it can't be used on their network).

HOWEVER, unless I am mistaken, I believe that if you turned it in, they could just as easily "UN-blacklist" it (re-activate its ESN on their system) and either return it to its original owner or (if the owner has already received a replacement) refurb it to give out to another customer as a replacement. When they said it was "useless" I think they just meant that you couldn't use it as long as it's ESN is being blocked.

I may be wrong about that, but if not, that makes the ethics of keeping it a bit more questionable, don't you think?