Don't know where to turn, completely turned off by Verizon Wireless

Question

Father's Day 2014, I walk into a Best Buy to get a new iPhone as my 4S was broken.  I upgrade to a 5s and I am told my plan of unlimited data will remain in tact.  To my surprise, at the end of that billing cycle I get a text saying I am about to surpass my family shared data plan of 3gb.  I make the first of 15 calls to Verizon to ask what happened.  I am told they no longer offer unlimited data.  They appease me by giving me a compliment gb of data.  The next month comes along and I realize this not acceptable for the data needs of myself and my wife.  I call back and they give me another complimentarry gb of data.  Later that month, a co-worker informed me of the Max plan where each user that had previously had unlimited data can be granted 6gb EACH.  I call Verizon back and I am told I did not take advantage of this in the 60 day window.  I said how can I if the option was never presented to me.  The associate agreed and submitted a request.  I called back weeks later to learn it was denied.  The new associate submits another request and suggests that he alter my plan to a lower plan in an effort to get approved.  I called back weeks later to learn it was denied again and my bill is now a mess.
On my next call, a lovely woman helped me, she spoke to her manager who gave her a certain language to use in the request to get approved, considering the record shows I called several times during the 60 day window.  I called back weeks later to learn that was denied.  I escalate to a manger who reiterates the same 60 day nonsense but is very helpful in offering to call me back and text me when the FOURTH request is acted on.  He calls me back to tell me it was denied due to being outside the 60 day window...NO KIDDING, we've been over this.  I tell him I am taking my business elsewhere and that I do not expect to pay a ATE but he said that is not happening. 
I have been a customer since 1998 (2004 as a family plan member).  I am shocked and appalled that I cannot be granted the Max plan even when it is clear I called several times during the 60 day window and it was not offered to me by several associates.
I am completely frustrated because I do not want to go through the mess of leaving, getting a new phone and moving to a provider I have no experience with.
Any suggestions from fellow customers or Verizon employees?

Answer 1

I feel sorry for you, and your story is not uncommon.
The lesson is educate yourself before any major purchase. Research online and in forums what is happening. That is what I do and so far that has worked out very well for me. I go into the store, or better yet, do it all online, knowing exactly what I want and what is available. Every other offer is a no. If it sounds good, I'll research it and not make a deal on the spot. Salesmen watch out for themselves first, the company second, and you third. They are taught how to sell you things you don't need.