I did end up buying the phone for $49.99 (+30 upgrade fee), while I was on the call. When I mentioned the VZWDEAL promo, the rep put me on hold for awhile and checked a few other things, then told me the promo code didn't exist. If I knew for sure the code was still valid on 11/11/2013, I would have pursued it further. I didn't want to give VZW an extra $49.95 if I didn't have to.
As for the Max plan, that wasn't an issue at all.
I was prepared to gladly pay $49.95 for the phone until the Verizon guy told me the max plan was only for the edge program. Even after I showed my email from Verizon offering me the max plan with no mention of edge at all. Too late blue, here's hoping for a killer deal at best buy in the near future.
there is no spoon