As a PSA, I'll let you know that all I needed to do was to call VZW and they provide an adjustment to the price, back down to $24.99. But, being held-up by the price increase offered me some research time, and I went in a totally different direction.
In the past, I bought a back-up battery for very smartphone I've had. But, it seems that most of the time, I needed power right away, not 5 minutes later after I shut down, remove the back, pop in the fresh battery, replaced the back and booted-up. Now, with my GNex, I have a cover to add to the mix as well.
So, I got a Anker Astro 5600mah battery pack, which I think will fit my needs much better, as I can just plug it in and keep going (albeit with a connected pack!).
My GNex has an extended battery with GREAT battery life. So when I am in need for extra power, it's typically because I know I am burning the battery, like when watching a show or playing a power hungry game. I don't find myself "surprised" by low battery in the middle of a phone call, for instance. I think a pack actually fits my needs better than a replacement battery. Plus, it'll power my family's phones as well - will come in handy no doubt. Not to mention that it'll still provide benefit when I my Galaxy III. ;-)
Just wanted to share in the event someone else has similar usage patterns. $29 at Amazon, very highly-rated and free shipping.