And if it's cheaper for you, it might as well not exist for AT&T -- I'm not trying to be an ass, but let's be honest here. The carrier subsidy was never about providing inexpensive phones. At best the carriers wanted it to be an even trade, but secretly really wanted to make money on it when they could -- by just not explaining the details and letting the customer think they were getting a really great deal. You were to think that $350 / $450 for your 2 year commitment was a good concession. When it really was just a magic trick.
But, the cat is out of the bag now. The magic trick is completely exposed. Not only exposed, but weaknesses in the program (or contract details) are being exploited (ala: you). And with T-Mo and, seemingly, VZW now offering to pay off and refund a customers ETFs -- they aren't even a heavy boat anchor or customer retention tool anymore.
Again, I get that you want the 2-yr contract because it's cheaper for you. But, the 2-yr contract was never about that. It was supposed to be a sales mechanic, customer retention tool, and profit center. A 2-yr contract and subsidy isn't any good at that anymore. Therefore it's obsolete and going the way of the dodo.