Who I have the same questioned this topic

I am trying to buy a new Iphone Pro Max at the Apple store through the Verizon plan.  I prefer to buy through apple because the deal is structured differently, with different consequences for upgrading prior to three years--apple gives you upfront credit for your trade in, while verizon spreads it across 36 months.  I typically upgrade every 2 years, so I would give up 1/3 the value of my trade in if doing the deal on verizon.

But, neither online nor in person at the apple store does it work.  Online, I get an error, "cannot connect to carrier."  I've tried several times and get the same error.  In the apple store, the employee gets an error that I'm not eligible.  I've called verizon several times and they say that I am eligible, that it's apple's systems and that they can't help. I've called apple several times and they say that the problem is on the verizon side.  Neither side is able to directly contact the other via phone.  Has anyone  else had this error and found an explanation and solution?  I'm considering options of 

1)Buying phone straight up at apple: Problem, costs more

2)Buying phone from verizon: Problem, if I upgrade prior to 3 years, costs more.

3)Switching to TMobile: Investigating service in my area.  I've been a verizon custom practically since cells were popular and my whole family is on verizon, so this would be a hastle and likely have a higher monthly cost.

Any advice is welcome.