The mobile share plans are the reason why i'm leaving Verizon for AT&T. I was very satisfied using the iPhone 4 on the Verizon network, but I don't think it's worth paying an extra $25/month just because I want 3 gigs of 4G while im forced to pay for unlimited minutes which i don't need. AT&T still has individual plans which fits better with my phones minute and data usage.
Verizon isn't forcing you to give up your older plan (if you have one). Plus, Verizon has better LTE coverage in your particular area, IIRC.
That said, i agree with you on the mobile share plans. They are significantly more expensive for many folks that don't require unlimited minutes. My total monthly cost with taxes for 5 iPhones, each with a 2GB Data plan, is about $210 on AT&T with a 15% fan discount, and Verizon's mobile share plan would cost me significantly more for a comparable amount of data.
FamilyTalk Nation 700Min with Rollover ($51)
1st iPhone5 with 2GB Data ($21.25)
2nd iPhone5 with 2GB Data ($9.99 + $21.25)
3rd iPhone5 with 2GB Data ($9.99 + $21.25)
4th iPhone5 with 2GB Data ($9.99 + $21.25)
5th iPhone5 with 2GB Data ($9.99 + $21.25)
(Optional: Unlimited messaging and m2m calling on all phones for $30 extra)