sprint requires plan upgrade?!?!

I looked at upgrading to the hero. Sprint told me that my data plan won't work. I have to have the everything plan.
Can some one tell me if this is just marketing or is there something to it?
I currently have ppc6800 with a unlimited data plan added to my 700 minute share plan.

I want the hero, but don't want to go from a $80/mo plan to a $129/mo plan.

Thanks