I finally gave in
I decided to turn in my Note7, but I didn't want to make it that easy on them. Make an appointment and then drive to a Sprint store to return a phone I love? No way. I called them and made them mail me a return box. Let them do the work.
I had already disabled updates and also "downgraded" to the last pre-recall ROM, so I had no nag screen, 100% charging, and no kill updates were going to happen. I just got tired of fighting it, plus there's a possibility I may have to fly sometime this year. Then there's the ever-present worry that it might actually catch fire and damage something, despite the fact that I am statistically more likely to be struck by lightning.
Fortunately, I still had my Note 3 and reactivated it. This gave me the benefit of the $100 service credit for choosing another Samsung phone, and returning it outright releases me from the 2-year contract extension I signed up for when I bought the Note7.
I'll miss the slickness of the Note7, but the Note 3 is still a good phone (and I can enjoy root again!). I was still happy with it when I bought the Note7, and even kept it for a year after my contract ended (I didn't want the Note 5). I was just looking for the latest and greatest and thought I had it for a while.
I tried to fight to keep my phone but just got tired of it. I was just so annoyed at having to change phones again. My current Note7 is actually my third-- I pre-ordered my original one, then two days after I got it but before my case arrived I dropped it and cracked the screen. I used my handset insurance to get a replacement, paying the $250 deductible. Then a week later it was recalled, so I sent it back and got my third Note7. Not a great year for me in the phone area, but I have my money back and I'll be waiting for the Note 8.
Goodbye, my not-so-old friend.
