Thanks, NickIzk - Glad the procedure isn't too complicated..... 
In general, the procedure you outlined seems like it strips a lot of what the phone previously did without issue away from it because of the OS that I had no choice about installing.
Basically, the release has made the phone non-functioning. The only alternative Verizon gives me is to exchange this non-functioning phone for another one of the same type (and possibly same build, with the same problems), or lose my unlimited account to get an actual functioning phone, or pay $600+ to keep it and buy a new phone - all while I did nothing to "break" the one I've got.
And, I hear that the FCC is investigating some cell phone companies/carriers for "throttling" supposedly unlimited connections.
No good options either way.
droidrazrmaxxhd "I compared the battery life on the exact same device before and after the KitKat update under controlled circumstances, and there's a huge difference."
You said it. This OS is a P-I-G, pig!
I have mine plugged into an AC outlet (wi-fi off, so-so 4G signal) using any app (like eBay or Huffington Post, mostly reading) - the OS consumes so much power that the charge level drops down into the low 90% level with not even moderate use. Let me put that another way - KitKat consumes so much power that it significantly outstrips the charger's ability to charge the phone. The power supply is good (factory) and it does charge, but now the phone has to be in sleep mode or no activity whatsoever in order for it to not deplete the battery. Before this roll out, I could use it a lot more without it ever dropping down more than 1% while plugged into the charger.
And with any activity whatsoever, the temperature jumps from the mid-90's to between 103 & 105 degrees (F), which now is apparently it's "normal" operating temperature. In areas with a low cell phone signal, it heats up so much I have to turn it off because it gets uncomfortable to carry in a pocket. At that point, it is about as useful as a brick for making phone calls.
Like yours, I have the same 3 battery hogging apps, of which the Android OS consumes 30% of the battery. It used to be when I would use one of those apps, that they would be listed near the top of what's consuming resources. However, they are now in the bottom third of the list, still consuming about the same percentage of battery as they did previously. They've been replaced by the Android OS, Google Play and the Android system processes, all of which now account for about 2/3 of the power consumption.
If Verizon's intent is to push me towards an iPhone, then they're succeeding. 
