I went though BS with the iPhone 3G too, Tom. I was the first at the damn AT&T store, and I couldn't get it for the 200$ deal. They even took a picture of me to send to apple or something.. I had upgraded to get a shitty Nokia 2610. No way I am paying 400$ for it, when I am not switching Cell companies anytime soon. If ATT keeps screwing me over they just might lose another loyal customer. I have been with them for a long time.
Sadly I'll need the iPhone for work. I could get a blackberry or some other Smart Phone. But the iPhone 3G is currently the best phone for the job, and myself. I wanted to get one since the first came out, for no reason but the sheer awesomeness. I've never really had a good MP3 player or a phone does that more then text, send/receive calls, or is worth spending extra money for a Data Package.. Haha, and now I could of gotten all in one, and no luck!
I also recently realized I'd better shell out more money too for the 16GB because I already have 4GB of music on my Itunes, but can't waste that money currently. To make it worse, I also went to Griffin that makes apple accessories and spent 40$ on a Elan Case and "earjams", because it was 20% off on the fourth of July. I might get the iPhone on the 23rd of this month, but I might wait later if I can't spend the extra cash so I can get 16GB. Even then, if I go to the store who says they would have any? They were definitely sold out before the end of the day.
I honestly think the iPhone has become more hassle then it is worth...