There's NOTHING wrong with trying to get Verizon to bend on an early upgrade. Give it a shot and it will not work. They are relentless. Crunch the numbers and probably find out that canceling a line, eating an ETF, or adding a line and unlimited data plan on it will cost you more than the retail price of the iPhone in the long run.
But, jeez why do people have to get all high and mighty and think they are morally superior around this forum? Really.
Anyone here have DirecTV? Ever called them to ask why new customers get certain promos and you don't? They will 99% of the time give you some type of credit to keep you. Crazy I know but, it's called loyalty to a long time customer. Even when the customer HAS signed a contract. Some people have forgotten that without the customer the business is NOTHING.