1) Why I am returning... it is a great phone, and when talking with most people it is 95% as clear as my previous verizon phone... however, when talking to my wife (droid to droid) the calls are muffled, there are electronics sounds behind our voices, the calls are simply unacceptable. We spend so much time saying "What?"
2) The return policy states "original packaging"... so I am trying to avoid the fight. I agree I should be able to get around that. My monthly bill is at least $250 - I have 6 phones, 3 of which are out of contract so if they want to continue getting my money, they will "work with me"...
3) To get the rebates you have to cut all that identifying information off and send it in... so I don't know that after that there is any difference in the packaging. And if there is... oh well...