Every one is coming down on him but where else will he find a new 5s for $200. He obviously isn't eligible to get another one subsidized. If you want the Gold and don't want to go through the hassle or buy a phone that is locked to a Apple i.d.(tons of this happening since ios7) then go for it. Your friend gets a free phone but has a line under 2 yr contract so in the end he will pay $240 over time plus activation fee. Both parties get what they want.