Would vz consider it a downgrade?

[Squantodog]

Go with the I am a dumb user approach. It works better if you do it over the phone, than in person (that way they can't pick up on body language). Then if they don't give you what you want , ask to have them talk to the floor manager and see if you can't get a 100.00 credit applied to the phone because canceling the service will be cheaper than the cost of the phone they want to charge you. The problem is without renewing the plan it is really hard to get the phone for a non-retail value.